How much of a joke are New Years resolutions, actually there’re not really funny, have been thoroughly discredited, and exposed as a silly ritual which brings almost zero success or change to anyone, in other words you’re hopeless.
And yet, change is possible, and maybe declaring or writing down a regret or goal can actually contribute, or at least “get you in the flow” of positive change.
For example, my “2021 Year in Review” essay just popped up and mentioned my remorse that I didn’t have it together to eradicate the invasive bamboo I’d dumbly planted as needless camo years ago, and why hadn’t I replaced the falling down deck? Though not exactly a resolution, three months later the bamboo was cut down and uprooted and six months later I had a new deck! A little “public shaming” can sometimes go a long way. (Update I went back to the bamboo site a year later and it took about an hour to pickaxe out the new shoots and root clumps.)
Yes, change is possible, though mostly whatever we’re doing now is where we’re spozed to be, even if that means being stuck in web of procrastination: addicted, broke, without hope, or any other variety of reality.
I know this only from my own example, that even at the ripe old age of sixty-nine (gee, “the kid” is old!) I was extremely motivated to make some changes last year, mainly the behavior adjustments necessary in my battle with insomnia, one which it feels like I’m winning today, though maybe not manana.
So if you have a New Years resolution, very similar to a piece of dog turd, here’s what you do: tell me what it is and I will berate you, shame you, guilt-trip you, and encourage you to accomplish your goal. (If you make it three months I will expect a one-time payment of breakfast at the Woodrose.)
That’s the only way this will work, if you don’t have a minder slapping you around, if you just want to be yourself, then you’re going to just sit there procrastinating with all your problems. (Can I have a minder? I’ll buy you breakfast!)
In one of Haruki Murakami’s latest books Killing Commendator, the central and recurring question raised is “Is it necessary,” regarding creating art. I’ve been thinking about this, asking myself if what I write is necessary, and pretty much all of it is not, and almost everything by everyone else in the AVA is not exactly necessary either.
However, I do have to say that there is one article I would define as necessary, and that was my essay “An Old-timer’s Guide To SSI,” which popped up here last week because that article could make a difference in someone’s income and life (and I hope to see it in the paper-paper.)
So, dammit, I’m giving myself props, since no one else will, or will even notice that, wow, there was something necessary in the AVA recently! (If I’m mistaken and my article wasn’t the only thing “necessary” please correct, thanks.)
(Granted, in the big picture, the AVA is necessary for me to read as an entertaining distraction, as are the many good books I read, none of which are exactly necessary.)
This New Years essay? Unnecessary…
Paul,
I agree with you about your SSI Guide –it was useful and well-done with pragmatic tips, and exactly as you said, it could make a difference in someone’s income and life. (I noted this last week but maybe you missed it.} Indeed, “necessary” fits for that one, good for you.
I found it interesting as well, Vicar.
Marmon
I sent it to someone who is applying for it. Haven’t hear back, yet.
but i got the monthly check wrong, it’s $1185 not $914…
Thanks! I just went back and found your comment from last week, thanks for the atta boy!
(Now I will continue writing some more unnecessary articles, one about The SF Chronicle and Herb Caen, a Looooooong One called How To Write For The AVA, and
another very unnecessary but irresistible one called Meeting Doug Holland…
Meeting Doug Holland is an experience I recommend for nobody. That guy is such a putz, and farts a lot!
Putz? I didn’t know you spoke Yiddish…
I’m more fluent in Yiddish than English. There’s no better language for insults. Schlemiel! Schlimazel!