Eric B. Thomasma

It's December 31. Tomorrow will be the beginning of a new year and tradition has it that it is a day to make resolutions. Some see it as a time to resolve to stop smoking, drinking, overeating, or a myriad of other negative vices. Some see it as a time to set a goal to work towards, a better job, a new business, a bigger house. Still others compile a wish list, more money, a new car, fancy clothes. And some see it as just another day, a day like most days, nothing special, ordinary.

At one point or another in my life, I have fallen into each of those categories. Sometimes looking forward with anticipation, sometimes with dread, and sometimes with complete apathy. Looking back, none of my New Year's resolutions came to pass. Even the times when I set a goal and developed a plan of action, failed for one reason or another. Sometimes due to circumstances beyond my control, sometimes not.

I have made changes throughout my life, and some of the things that I named as New Year's resolutions have happened, but not as a result of my declaration on a December 31st. I resolved on several New Year Eve's to quit smoking, but that's not why or when I quit. I quit smoking the summer day I looked out the window and saw my preschool aged sons imitating me with straws in their mouths, pretending to smoke. I quit drinking as a financial decision. When the choice was buying that beer, or feeding my young family. I changed jobs when my employers could no longer support me, or I could no longer support them. Indeed, change has happened many times, but not because of the changing of the year.

So tonight, I won't be making any resolutions. No grand schemes, or promises. I'll spend a quiet evening at home with my favorite person in the whole world, my wife, Therese. We'll stay up until midnight, share a New Year kiss, then turn in for the night. A perfect celebration.

I hope you find your New Year celebration as enjoyable.

Happy New Year!