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Showing posts with the label Resolutions

A Love/Hate Relationship with New Year's Resolutions

It's that time of year again.  The final few days when people can enjoy doing (and eating) what they want before they make big changes starting on January 1.  (Or January 2, because January 1, you know, is a holiday.) Over the years, I have made my own resolutions too.  So I won't judge anyone else for setting goals.  And I've known people whose New Year's resolutions have inspired great and meaningful changes in their lives.  People who have given up smoking.  People who have given up toxic relationships.  People who have continued a new exercise routine far beyond January. I'm delighted when we can celebrate such accomplishments.  Deep down, I'm a Calvinist, with a pretty strong conception of human sin.  I know we are all broken and need plenty of "fixing up."  Each approaching new year can serve as a secular Ash Wednesday, reminding us of our mortality, and encouraging us to atone for our mistakes and try to get our acts together.  We can take s