HOW DID YOU make out with your resolutions last year? Some of us made them at the beginning of the year, but half way through we fell through with them. There are many who I suspect, have held on and made good on their resolutions. Let us rekindle the spirit for another year and keep our promise to improve our lives and to do better for family, country and self.

Make this year memorable. Make it one to remember.

So we start with some reflections on our life at present. Are we going down the right pathways?

Are we on the right track?

Is there a need to change course? What particular adjustment needs to be made so as to achieve the best results? Is there a need for wholescale changes?

We are determined to rid ourselves of bad habits that harm us and hinder our progress in 2017. Life is short and time waits on no man, as you always hear and we have an obligation to commit ourselves to do as much good as we possible can to others. One writer, Stephen Grellet said, “I shall (William Penn “I expect to…”) pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

So we have a twofold mission: (1) to our fellowmen and (2) to ourselves..

Jesus led the way in his mission on earth to help the sick, the poor and the unfortunate. We have a great example to follow.

acts that you can do according to your ability.

In addition you can use the power of the smile to break the ice and words of encouragement to help the disheartened. Do your dues to your fellowmen.

Be at peace with the world. So you have decided to pay some attention to yourself, your person. It could start by eating the right food. Yes, sometimes we could be slipshod in our duties to self. It is time to ignore the junk food. They are packed

with carbohydrates which when processed by the body turn into sugar and you know that the excess sugar can spike your blood sugar opening you to the ‘d word’. Eat the right food in 2019. Try not to over eat and make sure you take the time to do some exercises.

It is easy to sit for hours before the television but it will do you no good because long hours of inactivity could cause you pain later on. So you are going to engage in some regular exercise. Exercise will do you a world of good. Walking is a good past time. It is also healthy. So you don’t have to always get into that car. Walk with your friend, and keep on track.

Alone, you are likely to fall through the crack. Consult your doctor to know if your heart can take on the exercise. With exercise you would lose the surplus fat and tone your muscles.

Take up a new hobby: write short stories or songs or learn to paint, or to play an instrument. You could be absorbed in these past time for hours and find pleasure in such pursuit.

Remember to take breaks at intervals as you bring out your artistic talent. For those of you with sedentary jobs remember to stand at intervals.

Approach your goal steadily. Do not give up half way through. Be consistent and you would reach your goal. Good luck! Have a happy and productive new year.

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