Here are my top 4 reasons you don’t need a New Year’s Resolution.
1. It’s still Christmas.
Capitalism has shifted the focus of Christmas to a single day with lots of presents, family and turkey (followed by Sales shopping). Traditionally in the run-up to Christmas, Christians would be observing Advent – a time of waiting for Jesus to be born, followed by days of celebration and telling the stories of various visitors who came to worship and adore the Christ child. So, it’s ok to keep celebrating and not feel guilty about not hitting the gym on the 2nd January.
2. You are enough
Amen to that Sister!
3. Values: God or capitalism?
Capitalism functions to make you not feel good about yourself, so you buy things to fill the void. Yet, God has a different set of values for our lives – love, peace, friendships, justice… If we’re going to do some goal setting (short-term achievable goals are better) then how do they reflect our call to follow Jesus?
For example, if you’re engaging in some physical fitness, is it because God calls us to live life in all its fullness and being healthy is part of that? Or because the gym has a special offer for January? Try setting some monthly goals instead that move you closer to the things that truly matter.
4. Some of us are just surviving
Whether it’s because you have a disability, a lack of funds or you’re tired of oppression, it’s ok to just be surviving. Of course, God wants us to live in ‘life in all its fullness’ but the steps we take towards that will be very different based on our circumstances. If you’re aiming towards going walking once a week, engaging in some self-care or changing your meds, power to you.
I’d love to hear what you think. Are you committing to a New Year’s resolution? Or have you decided to give it a miss? Add your thoughts in the comments section below.
By Lizzie Gawen, SCM National Groups Worker