Mary Larsh, Columnist
My boyfriend’s grandfather shared with me that his New Year’s resolution was to become a better person. His grandfather’s conversation reminded me to take a moment to reflect on the past year.
The New Year will give me the opportunity to set a significant goal for myself.
It’s easy to make a pledge to lose weight or to improve my church attendance. Many people start off strong on their resolutions, but don’t follow through to the end of January.
New Year’s resolutions are important for self-reflection.
I took some private time to assess my personal life. As much as I hate to workout, I didn’t think exercising more was worthy of my New Year’s resolution. I would be sure to join the ranks of the January quitters, justifying my lack of persistence with excuses of school and work commitments.
I also thought of a radio ad from KJ103-FM with TJ, Janet and Jrod where they each revealed their New Year’s resolutions. Jrod said he wasn’t going to drink any more. For dramatic effect, he paused and added “or less.”
The disc jockey didn’t seem to take his self-reflection seriously. He only used what should have been a thoughtful time to think of a good punch line.
As I continued my exploration for a worthwhile resolution, I found myself returning to the conversation I had with my boyfriend’s grandfather.
I asked myself, “How can I become a better person?”
After assessing the past year, I found the best way for me to become a better person is to work on my patience. I will be a happier and more content person if I am patient with people and don’t get annoyed so easily.
To maintain the resolution, the question “How can I become a better person?” should be asked throughout the year. It is a flexible approach that allows someone to focus on a variety of areas in their life throughout the year.
Everyone can benefit from asking themselves this simple question.
Use the new year as a time to reflect and to improve.
