New Year’s Resolutions

Photo By Leland Francisco

Do you have one?

Do you know the origins of resolutions?

New Years has been celebrated for at least 4000 years, although not always on January 1. The ancient Babylonians celebrated on the first new moon after the spring Equinox. Their celebration was religious and lasted 11 days, with a different, specific ritual performed on each of those days.

For ancient Egypt, the new year began when the Nile flooded each year. However, for them, it was less of a celebration and more a time of anxiety and fear. The flooding of the Nile was unpredictable and could spell drought and famine if there was not enough water, or drowning if there was too much.

The Chinese celebrate New Years on the second new moon after the winter solstice. This is a long and happy celebration; a time to clean out ill-fortune and make way for good luck. People exchange red envelopes filled with money, have feasts with families, and decorate their homes.

So where did the tradition of resolutions come from?

It probably started with the Babylonians, who made promises to the Gods on New Years, in order to receive favour. That is a far cry from most new years resolutions we see these days! Similarly, the celebrations are very different.

Regardless of the origin, resolutions have become an ingrained tradition, almost as ingrained as the breaking of new years resolutions. The most popular tend to be going to the gym, eating better, or being more organized. It doesn’t take long for life to get in the way of those plans for many people.

What if you did it differently this year?

What if your New Years Resolution was easy, simple, short?

Would you do it? Could you commit?

What if your resolution was 15 minutes a day, just for yourself? Fifteen minutes of self-care, self-love, alone time. Could you do it?

Come back on New Year’s Eve for ideas on self-care in 15 minutes or less!