New Year resolutions are like the old yellow sweater I have in my closet; the one I bought back in the day, when neon was still in style. I know I will never wear that sweater again but I don’t dare throw it away because of the “idea” of it. It’s the thought that I might want to wear it again (possibly to a Halloween or 80s retro party, combined with my “Boy Toy” belt and feathered earrings) that keeps it on a hanger, overlooked everyday by me. I think it’s the nostalgia that keeps me from giving it away to the Salvation Army. I just don’t have the heart to let go- just like the resolutions I make every December 31st. I know in my mind I won’t ever last more than a few weeks in keeping my promises for the New Year but I just like the idea that it’s there just in case I need it (overlooked on a hanger in my closet). It’s my safety net, my compass; letting me know that at least I’m trying. Besides, I like to have something to offer up in case I’m asked about it at a party or a family gathering. Because who doesn’t ask about New Year resolutions? And when they do, I simply smile and offer up my top three: lose weight, stop procrastinating and be a better person (contribute to world peace, brake for animals and recycle my plastics.)
But I never seem to be able to follow through on my resolutions. I completely blow it the very first week of the New Year when I’m offered that enticing slice of chocolate cheesecake that will definitely add pounds to my hips or get handed the beautiful margarita glass with the colorful umbrella or when I’m running frantically to catch the rush hour train so I won’t be late to work yet again.
So what do I say to my resolution this year? Let’s not have any. In fact, I’m going into my closet right now to throw out that old tattered yet still very bright yellow sweater. I won’t be needing it again… well, maybe, I should hang on to it. Just in case it gets cold tonight. Yellow is my color too and you never know when neon will come back into fashion…Oh forget it, I’m hopeless. Where’s my drink?
Happy New Year everyone!
Erin Brady