Resolutions: Why They Do and Don't Work

 "Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us." ~Hal Borland

Winter break is coming to a close for most high schools. Once back in school, everyone will probably talk about their New Year's resolution.

Resolutions are common, and even a tradition. Everyone makes at least one.

Resolutions can work for many reasons:

• It can motivate you to become better.
• Resolutions help clear out past mistakes, and will create a fresh start.
• You can complete your resolutions with other people, and help keep each other on track.

That's a short list. I couldn't quite think of other reasons to make a resolution.

Even though I love having that spark of enthusiasm in the beginning of the year, I am not making a resolution. In the past, I have usually forgotten about it by April.

Review 2010

The other day, I decided that I needed to reflect on the year. 2010 is coming to a close, and I've done some pretty important things.

A short list of what I've done:

• Fully recovered from my spinal fusion surgery. I have scoliosis, and in October 2009, I had to get some of my vertebrae fused together, and got two metal rods inserted along my spine. After a year of restrictions, I am now fully recovered.
• Cut out a lot of my commitments. I feel so much better now that I am not spending time and energy doing things that I don't enjoy.
• Got back into rock climbing. One restriction I had from my spinal fusion surgery was not being able to climb. I am able to climb again, and I love it!
• Started this blog! With over 500 views so far, and with only existing for less than two months, who knows how far this blog will get in the whole year of 2011.
• Started a twitter. It's a great way to socialize and get information out.
• Started a tumblr blog. I started it for my own personal use and documentation.

2010 was full of other accomplishments, and I know 2011 will be too!