Today’s post comes from guest author Bob Hussey, a longtime Catenian and dedicated advocate for kindness and community.
Bob brings a wealth of wisdom, humour, and thoughtfulness to his writing, and in this piece, he explores the age-old tradition of New Year’s resolutions through the lens of faith and service.
As we step into a New Year, Bob challenges us to consider a resolution that goes beyond self-improvement – one that focuses on kindness and building a better world. Read on, and be inspired!
Happy New Year!
The turning of the calendar is a time for fresh starts, but like many, I’ve always struggled with sticking to New Year’s resolutions. It’s not the idea of resolutions I have a problem with – they’re well-intentioned – but my resolve often crumbles faster than a six-year-old in a sweetshop.
Let’s be honest: breaking resolutions doesn’t feel like a big deal because they’re just promises we make to ourselves. If no one else knows, who cares?
But perhaps it’s worth reflecting on the history of this tradition. Did you know that the practice of making New Year’s resolutions dates back over 4,000 years?
A look back at the origins of New Year’s resolutions
The ancient Babylonians were among the first to celebrate the New Year – during a 12-day festival called Akitu. As part of their celebrations, they made promises to the gods, such as paying debts or returning borrowed items.
Fast forward to Ancient Rome, and Emperor Julius Caesar introduced January 1st as the start of the New Year in 46 B.C., dedicated to Janus, the two-faced god who symbolized looking back and forward.
Romans would offer sacrifices and pledge to behave better in the coming year.
Interestingly, the phrase “New Year’s resolution” didn’t appear in print until 1813 in a Boston newspaper. Today, this tradition remains alive and well, with millions of people worldwide pledging to better themselves at the start of the year.
The most common resolutions
From exercising more and losing weight to learning new skills, quitting bad habits, or spending more time with loved ones, resolutions often focus on self-improvement.
According to YouGov, 17% of Brits abandon their resolutions within a month, but that hasn’t deterred people from trying.
In fact, the website Go.Compare reports that more people are making resolutions for 2024 than at any time since 2019.
A resolution for the greater good
While self-improvement is admirable, I’ve noticed that resolutions often focus inward. This year, I’ve decided to shift my perspective.
Inspired by Anne Frank’s quote, “You can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness,” and Jack Kerouac’s advice, “Practice kindness all day to everybody and you will realise you’re already in heaven now,” my sole resolution is simple yet profound: to practice kindness.
Kindness is a Christian virtue, and it’s at the heart of building stronger, more compassionate communities.
Whether it’s forgiving someone, showing patience, or lending a helping hand, small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect that benefits everyone.
But kindness doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavour.
It’s even more powerful when shared within a supportive network of like-minded individuals who are committed to serving others.
That’s why I’d like to invite you to consider joining the Catenians.
Why join the Catenians?
The Catenians are a global network of Catholic men dedicated to strengthening family life, deepening faith, and serving others through friendship and charity.
As a Catenian, you’ll find support, encouragement, and opportunities to make a positive impact – not just in your own life but in the lives of others.
By joining, you’ll connect with a community that values kindness, generosity, and faith. Together, we can create meaningful change in our society, one act of kindness at a time.
Make a resolution that matters
This year, let’s look beyond ourselves. Instead of resolutions that focus solely on self-improvement, why not resolve to improve the lives of others?
Whether through kindness, volunteering, or simply being there for someone in need, these small steps can make a world of difference.
If you’re ready to start your journey toward making a lasting impact, why not join the Catenians today? Together, we can build a kinder, more compassionate world.
A very Happy and fulfilling New Year to you and your loved ones!
