New Year—Will it Bring Real Commitment or Broken Promises?

 

Well tonight is the night we make New Year’s Resolutions. And tomorrow is the day we start breaking them!

I often make and break New Year’s Resolutions. Actually, I am not quite sure why I make them.  I think I am attracted to the concept of a particular occasion to make a change. Even though I know that January 1st is not any different than December 31st, I like the symbolism of a new year. But why don’t I actually stick to my resolutions? I guess that stems from a lack of commitment. This year, I have been inspired by a quote from Goethe that a friend gave me:

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back-- Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now."

So this year, I have decided to take this resolution business seriously. I have continually been reminded this past year that I need to work harder to make sure that I am using my resources (specifically time and money) help end poverty and protect the environment.  January 1, 2010 marks the moment I step up my commitment to actually doing this.  How am I going to accomplish this ephemeral goal? With these concrete steps:

1. Increase my monthly donation to Outreach International.
2. Get more involved in a local organization here in DC that is working to end homelessness.
3. And for the environment: DRIVE LESS! And figure out what I can do about this (I don’t know yet…).

What is your New Year’s Resolution? What are you committed to doing differently in 2010 to make the world better? How are you going to work to end poverty? To help protect the environment? May our commitments, along with “Providence’s movement”, make real change!

 

 

Posted By (Stephen Donahoe) on Dec 31, 2009 12:00 AM CST
categories: Activism  Culture & Customs  Current Affairs  Environment  Poverty 

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Our vision is a world without poverty. But to get there, it will take more than what has been done before. It will take a second look at the problem: a redefinition.

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