I’ve been pondering New Year’s resolutions. I’m not sure why, because I can’t recall ever making one. Although I could have forgotten, just as I did the resolution.
Not knowing where to turn for information, I tried Google. Even Psychology Today weighed in on the topic. Not that I consider that magazine an infallible source nor did the author provide credentials.
According to one article, over a third of the resolutions disintegrate before the end of January, and more than three quarters are abandoned soon after. What do you think the reason is?
There are 365 days in a year to make a decision to improve an area of your life or strive to achieve a goal. Like writing a blog post ahead of time. Or sending Christmas cards. When I purchased cards this year I’d intended to use them, but only sent out three.
I’m not giving up dark chocolate! I hear it’s good for one’s health.
I asked an older friend if she’d ever made New Year’s resolutions. “Many years ago,” she said. “So much fun making them.” I asked, “Did they work?” She chuckled. “Never. No power in it. They don’t work.”
Amish farmer in Lancaster County, PA.
Do you agree or disagree with her? Have you made a New Year’s resolution? I use the Post-it method to remind myself to get chores done and end up with piles of Post-its. Do you think the Amish make New Year’s Eve resolutions? They are so industrious. How do they manage?
Leave a comment to enter to win this Amish-made tea towel sewn in Lancaster County that I’m having trouble parting with & a signed copy of one book from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy. Winner chosen at random. USA & Canada. Winner has 3 days to respond.
I did not make any New Year’s reolutions this year.
If I had one, it would be to continue reading as many books as is possible.
Happy New Year!!
Reading as many books as possible sounds like a great idea, Elaine! Good luck in the giveaway!’s
Yes, I made a resolution – to begin writing in my journal every day. I have not kept my resolution!
Maybe today will be the first day you write in your journal, Sharrie! A terrific and sometimes life-changing endeavor. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
I do not make resolutions because I hate to break them . The only thing I did was do a 2015 reading book challenge in Goodreads . I love the tea towel and woukd love to win one of your books . Thanks .
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for writing, Elizabeth! Good for you for participating in the 2015 Goodreads challenge. Good luck in the giveaway!
No, I did not do a new year resolution. I do hope to stick to a more strict exercise program and try to make healthier food choices. I love to read and learn more about the Amish lifestyle. Take care.
Thanks for commenting on my blog, Pamela! Wishing you good luck in the giveaway. I’d love to have you learn more about the Amish lifestyle!
Hi Kate. I always try not to make resolutions, but after I hop on the scale after the holidays I always yell, “I GOING ON A Diet!” so I think the resolution makes itself. 😉
Hi Carolann, thanks for writing! I gave my husband a scale for Christmas, only because ours was so old and grungy. He is not overweight and exercises daily. But, unfortunately, it proved our old scale was incorrect. Not what he wanted to see. Good luck in the giveaway!
Yes, the diet or at least the “eating healthier” is always a goal and a resolution as it was yet again this year. I just hope I don’t fall off the wagon! It’s so hard, and I am doing good but the year has only begun.
Thanks for commenting, Sonja! If you lived in this house you would have a difficult time falling off the wagon as we have no pop, cookies, potato chips, or dip. Or bread, now that I think about it. Somehow my husband and I ended up on the same eating regimen. I seriously don’t know how it happened. Good luck on your eating healthier goal and in the giveaway.
I’m not always good at making them but mine is to get out in the yard more this spring and summer. Last year we could hardly do a thing between the mosquito’s and heat.
Getting out in the yard more often sounds like a terrific idea, Liz! Mosquitoes and heat can detour even the most ardent gardener. Good luck on your resolution and in this giveaway!
I don’t make new year resolutions.
Connie
cps1950@gmail.com
I’ve made a few New Year’s resolutions, and I do keep them from time to time. This year’s has been hard for me, since I don’t know where to start. I do agree with your friend somewhat, Kate, as I know that I mostly think that resolutions are overrated. With the Amish, I don’t know if they do resolutions, but I’m sure they keep them! I really hope I can win this time, as it would be the well-needed perfect start to my year that I need! Thanks & God bless!
I hope you have a perfect start to this year, Mallory! I doubt the Amish make resolutions, but I agree with you: if they made them, they’d keep them. They are resolute and steadfast. We could learn a lot from their work ethic and commitment. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
I ended up making a spiritual New Year’s resolution: to read through the Bible this year. As a full time working mom of a preschooler//toddler/infant, I just find my day filled up so quickly so I started a Bible reading plan app complete with daily reminders! I’ve never been good at keeping resolutions but hope that this year, I may be more successful with help from the Holy Spirit!
Reading through the Bible sounds like a fabulous resolution, Lisa! I’d read the New Testament and started on the Old Testament a couple years ago. I think I got through Jeremiah … My problem might’ve been that I don’t skim through weighty, important material. I don’t know how people can read the Bible so quickly. Let me know how you do. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
I make resolutions every year. One I make is ongoing and I make it every year. It is one I keep every year as well. Two I made this year are ones that happen in God’s time and ones I cannot rush. And finally I have one, the one everyone makes to have a healthier lifestyle, that I just haven’t had the motivation for lol.
The fact that you keep one resolution every year goes against all odds, Hannah! God’s timing and ours is not the same; that is a fact. Good luck in finding motivation to live a healthy lifestyle and in this giveaway!
Used to make resolutions but no more. They were a waste of my time and energy and just made me feel like a failure.
Putting yourself in a situation where you feel like you’re a failure and waste your time sounds like something to avoid, Gail! I wonder how many people feel the same way. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
would love to win.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Angela!
I’ve made 2 new year’s resolutions this year and so far have been able to keep them. One was to try and cross stitch everyday and the other was to try to limit the time I spend on the computer.
Both of these sound like worthwhile endeavors, Katie! I wish I could see what you’re cross stitching! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway! Good luck!
I don’t make resolutions. Although some leadership has told me it’s good to set goals for myself, others say New Year’s resolutions are bad because you set a pattern for breaking promises. I do make short term goals for myself and family. Thankfully they’re good sports. I sign us up for different 5k races and we strive to be ready for them. I know for many a 5k race is nothing, but it’s easy for us to get busy, sick, or distracted and not go to the gym. With a paid race approaching you know you better be ready in time no matter how much time you took off for whatever calamity that has happened in life. My daughter and I have been doing them for 3.5 years. She just turned 8 so I expect this years races will be much better. #healthyfamily
A race would get my attention, Jennifer! I’ve watched friends condition for them and seen wonderful results. Thanks for writing and sharing your ideas. Good luck in the giveaway!
I don’t really make resolutions either, because when I did,I felt like such a failure when I messed up. And that made me feel even worse..lol… So I just take it one day at a time…
One day at a time is a wise way to go, Janice! A thought: Although you may fail at something you are not a failure. I’ve had many Oh-well moments, then either tried again or went on to something new. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Only to spend as much time with family as possible, friends too.
A wonderful goal for the year, Bonnie! Thanks for writing and entering the contest. Good luck!
I am hoping for a better year of health! Most of 14 I was sick. I plan though being more organized. Read even more. 🙂
Blessings
Diana
I pray your health improves this year, Diana! Until you’re so energetic you hardly recognize yourself. Organization is something I struggle with too, especially while writing. I tell everyone, “Don’t touch my desk!” Unfortunately there are several other areas of our home … But I try. Happy reading to you and good luck in the giveaway!
Hello Kate. I have stopped making new Years resolutions for I never kept them. I do have things I’m hoping to IMPROVE on, but no promises. Number one is to read the Bible much more than I have been doing, but with GOD’s help. The next thing is learning to CONCENTRATE better. When I talked to my doctor about forgetting, he just said I need to concentrate better. So I need GOD to help me on this too!. Kate I am still needing the third book in this series, so sure hoping to win . I don’t think the Amish make resolutions but don’t really know. Please add my name. Maxie
> mac262(at)me(dot)com <
Hi Maxie! I doubt they make resolutions either, so I didn’t even bother to ask an Amish friend, They are so resolute and faithful, and I think it would be against their beliefs. An idea, something I do, is to ask God to help me concentrate and understand Scripture. My mind wanders … then I have to re-read, which isn’t such a bad thing. Thanks for writing and good luck!
I am not really good at resolutions but on 1-1-11, I started a weight loss program to lose 50 pounds by my 50th birthday, which was the next year. I accomplished that, but ten pounds have crept back on and I want to nip that in the bud so 1-5-15 and I am I back at it and think I will be successful.
A great goal, Karen! A belated Happy Birthday to you! January 5th was my mother’s B-day so I always recall it with fondness. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Hi Kate, I don’t make resolutions at the New Year. I chose a one word last year. It did pop into my mind many times throughout the year, so I counted that a success.
Hi Anne, your one word has captured my curiosity. I’m happy for your success! Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Hi, Kate! My new year’s resolution? It’s a simple one, but one that involves a lot: To be a better person than I was last year.
Hi Dali, thanks for writing! Being a better person does involve a lot. At the end of the year, please let me know which areas you targeted. Good luck in the giveaway!
No I don’t make New Year resolutions. If I’m not already trying saying so on New Year’s day won’t work either… I just do the best I can each day & and be thankful for each one.
Such a cute towel…
dkstevensneAT outlook DOtCoM
Doing the best you can each day and being thankful is a wonderful way to live your life, Deanna! Thanks for writing and entering the contest. Good luck!
I’m sticking with my resolution this year. I’m prayer for a lot people this year, especially my family.
Great, Paula! I’m a pray-er. Sometimes for people I don’t even know or particularly like. Whoever comes to mind. Thanks for commenting and I encourage you. Good luck in the giveaway.
Tomorrow I start back in on the organizing which was my New Years resolution. Shoveling wore me out today.
Organizing seems to be a never ending task, Carla! I wish you the best in your endeavor. Sorry about all that shoveling. Good exercise but hard on the back. Good luck in the giveaway!
I don’t make resolutions. Just want to continue to read the Bible through as I’ve done for several years, write in my journal and read, read and read some more! Thanks for the opportunity to win. I love your giveaways! Linda
I do not usually make a specific resolution about what I am or am not going to eat or do as those tend to be broken within the first week or so of setting them. My only goal for the year is to read my Bible more, pray more and spend as much time making memories with my children as possible.
I don’t usually make resolutions. However, I am going to try to get more organized. Also, I have begun a new exercise regime, which I’m enjoying, so hopefully it will “stick.”
I don’t make resolutions,but I did decide this year that I was going to take one day at a time and learn to love myself .
Kate, I quit making New Year resolutions a long time ago because I never kept them. Now I try to be aware of how I am living my life and using the time God has given me, because the older I get I see how fast life goes by and how much of it I wasted.
I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your book Forever Amish. I hope to read the others soon.
I enjoyed the other comments also.
Thank you for giveaway.
mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com
Kate. I always seem to make the same resolutions every year.. I’m making progress with the weight loss and exercise though..
I am 69 yrs. old, and have yet to keep my resolutions. I tried to no avail. This year I didn’t make any. Just trust God every moment of every day. I just want to live closer to God every day. By the way, I am “adicted” to reading Amish books. My Grands tease me about talking about them. How awesome their devotion to God is!
I don’t make resolutions. They always seem to fail and then I feel like a failure. I just try to be the best person I can be and to be more Christian every day
I make resolutions that I know I can complete. One year it was to try on all of my clothes that were in my closet and dresser drawers and get rid of any that did not fit, I did not like anymore, etc. Amazing when you really start wearing some of the clothes and then realize you no longer want or need it. Goals need to be realistic.
I don’t make resolutions, but set in my mind certain things I want to work on during the year…ie: being more patient, working more in the garden, calling family more rather than texting.
My life was enriched in 2014 because I increased the number of quality books that I was able to read. So for this new year I plan to continue reading only the books I really wish to read. Some people pick a number of books, but that doesn’t’ t work for me. The Amish tea towel looks adorable.
An excellent goal, Sally! Quality over quantity. Thanks for commenting and entering the giveaway!
Not much on making resolutions that I would end up breaking. So I just strive to do better and live better in the new year. I would love to win your contest. Thanks.
Sounds like a reasonable approach, Donna! Some things are out of our control, but we can strive toward improvement. Good luck in the giveaway!
The only resolution I made was to spend more time with my dog Cody and 2 cats….Pusser and Beefy. I knew that one was one I wouldn’t break and I wanted to start the new year out right!
Spending time with your dog and 2 cats has got to be good in every way, Juli! I saw a show that demonstrated how petting an animal lowered people’s blood-pressure. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
I have read the first two books, haven’t read Forever Amish yet. Would love to read that one. I haven’t made a New Year’s resolution yet. Last year I wanted to read 100 books and I did. This year I’m taking it a little slower. I’m just going to enjoy the books I read even more.
Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed my books, Cherie! I’d love you to read Forever Amish. Wow, reading 100 books in one year is amazing. Good luck in the giveaway!
I make resolutions almost every year and they never get followed through. I decided not to make any this year and just vow to be a better me!!
Here’s to a better you, Lori! Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
I changed from the giving up resolutions to the giving. #1 is giving myself more time for personal prayer life.
A great goal, Jean! I pray throughout the day & at night. God brings people to mind and I obey. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
My resolution is to send up prayers every morning before getting out of bed for “thanks”. I’m so glad to be alive and healthy. Yes, I’m still on track.
Wow, great idea, Sparkle! Would you mind if I borrow? Thanks for entering and good luck!
would love the book i like to read about the plain life but our library has a very thin amount of amish novels–besides bev lewis that is near nothing
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Jean! I’d love you to read one of my books. A thought: request your library carry Forever Amish. Good luck in the contest!
Haven’t made any resolutions-they are hard to keep,and I hate breaking promises,even to myself!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Judith! Hating to break promises is an excellent trait. Good luck!
another thought….and I think most of us make this a hope everyday…to be better, to do better, to serve Him more….that is not one I want to make and break. just one I want every single day. loved the plants on your fb posts, those are my favorite kind….love them and purslane as it comes up every year from the leaves dropped…. vrush729@aol.com