New Year Resolutions

The year 2012 comes to an end in three days time. It was a year of many tragedies, but the worst was that in Connecticut, USA, where 20 children and six teachers were killed in a school at the hands of a lone gunman, who killed himself afterwards. We pray and hope that there would not be a tragedy of this nature in the New Year.{{more}}

It is the time of the year when many of us make resolutions to change or improve our quality of life. It may be about food, life style, health and fitness, among others.

Human relations and attitudes

In this world, we must interact with other persons besides the immediate family. We are dependent on others for many things in our lives. We have improved our lives because of the contributions and sacrifices of those who have gone before us, and we benefit from our compatriots in one way or the other.

Some of those persons whom we interact with will have some characteristics and traits that are similar to ours, but regardless of our differences, we have to live peaceably with everyone for our continued existence and for the preservation of the human species. Moreover, for a better life and good relations, we must have some concern and respect for our fellowmen.

We have been known for our warmth, hospitality, and generosity. Are we the same today? The modern world with its expanding technology continues to have a tremendous effect on us and there is no doubt about the influence, good and bad of television and cell phones in our lives.

We do not see or experience too often the politeness and helpfulness that are expected of those in the world around us and especially in the service industry. Far too often we come across persons who take out their frustration on a hapless customer/client. We are the product of our experience and sometimes we consciously or unconsciously recycle our bad experience. Good human relations are to be treasured above all things, as it brings a happiness that surpasses material things. If we have had poor human relations for the past year, we could all consciously make an effort to improve our relations with others.

Food

We are all excited about food. It is important for our sustenance and central to most celebrations; but with excesses, it could be dangerous to our health. Hence, many persons are going to make resolutions about the quantity of their intake. They are also going to make decisions about the type of foods that are consumed. Too much sugars, starches and salt could cause some of the so – called life style diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and heart diseases which afflict so many Vincentians today.

Health and Fitness

Many persons are becoming very conscious about health and fitness. We are persuaded by many health educators of the importance of exercise as a way of keeping fit and healthy. Fitness clubs are beginning to take root, but we are still reminded that simple walking will do the trick, without a charge attached. If you sit at your job all day, it becomes more important for you to spend some time after work exercising.

Let us make resolutions that are realistic. We need to plan so that our resolutions could become reality. We also need to find the will power and the time to work consistently to achieve our goals. I wish that you have a healthy and happy year. As the saying goes, the best things in life are free. Make good use of them. Happy New Year!

Ada Johnson is a solicitor and barrister-at-law.
E-mail address is: exploringthelaw@yahoo.com