New Year’s Resolutions? It’s All In The Words

It never fails. The year turns and, everywhere I look, people are talking about New Year’s Resolutions. It would be laughable if it weren’t so sad to see them making plans to diet, exercise, quit smoking, ad infinitum. Plans they will faithfully keep for two weeks if they are determined. Part of the problem is the word resolution. It conjures images of stoic determination to gut out what ever unpleasantness we have committed ourselves to. See what I said there? Unpleasantness. The very word we want to convey positive feelings about positive changes, in fact, creates an automatic assumption of unpleasantness.

If you look at the root word in the dictionary, particularly the original Latin, the most used meaning is to determine or decide. The word has nothing to do with acting on that decision.

Let’s look at another word, revolution. The root word means to turn around, to change. It’s an active word – less talk, more do. It is more militant, but when changing ones lifestyle, that’s not a bad image is it? We tend to think of revolution in political terms, but we also have the Industrial Revolution, by definition – change. Computers and the internet have revolutionized the way we communicate.

It’s all about taking control of the words we use to take control of the outcomes. Any journalist, politician, or diplomat knows this. They do it all the time and use it to change perceptions of others. It is something we can, and should, use on ourselves. Think about it. Resolve to loose 20 pounds. Engage in a revolt on junk food. Now which of those thoughts is more likely to inspire you in a positive, pro-active way?

For my self, there will be revolutions rather than resolutions. I declared a revolt on junk food and most processed food a long time ago. I’m not certain just what revolt I will wage in the coming year. Probably against idleness, since my current situation discourages exercise. Another possibility would be a revolt on living in a semi-urban environment. I want my woods back