In this year of 2011

In this year of 2011, I promise...
I pledge...
I resolve...

What is a resolution? According to dictionary.com it is "a firm decision to do or not to do something".  However, I don't find that terribly helpful. The history of making resolutions dates to Rome, around 150 B.C., there's a great ezine article on that here. And while that's fascinating, why do people currently make resolutions? And why make them for the new year?
Well, I don't have everyone's answers, but I do have my own. And here's why I make resolutions at this time of year, and why I think it's necessary.

If in this life we are supposed to be striving to be like Christ, and to be more perfect every day (assuming of course you are a Christian), then the need to make firm decisions (as defined above) will be necessary. The decision that something should not fit into your lifestyle, or something should fit into your lifestyle will almost always be necessary. The idea of making new resolutions with the beginning of a new year is a symbolic one at the least, it gives you a roundness in your mind to have a clean slate.

Two years ago, I resolved to take charge of my health. Last year I resolved to be pushed around by people in my life, whether they were strangers or close to me, a lot less. I think I've succeeded on both counts, and now at this point, where I hover ready to graduate, ready to be my own adult person, but terrified of the prospect at the same, I have no clue what that one big thing should be. Well, I thought I had no clue what the one big thing to change should be.

It has two parts, first, I resolve to get out more. That's vague, but I mean I resolve to push myself past my comfort zone more, to connect with people more, to not care so much about being perfect, but care more about the relationships in my life. The second part, I want to listen more. If you have something to tell me, I want to make sure I'm 100% focused on what you're saying. I want to think less and engage more.

I've been reading a lot of things recently about simple living, intentional living, etc. It's all really speaking to me right now. I feel the need to cut back, to declutter, to pare down, both emotionally and physically. So I can rephrase my resolution. I want to live more intentionally. So that's my only resolution.
I want to find MY untrodden viewpoint, to engage, to love more.
I recently told a person if someone could say during my eulogy "She was well-traveled, well-read, and loved God and her fellow person" I would be perfectly content with my earthly life.