We Catholics are rather lucky...We get to celebrate two New Year's in the course of 30 or so days. Our first New Year was celebrated on the first Sunday of Advent, the beginning of the Liturgical/Church Year. Today, January 1st, we celebrate the beginning of the secular calendar year of 2009. Both New Year's offer us the opportunity to begin anew.
Many people make New Year's Resolutions at the beginning of the new year. These resolutions typically revolve around three areas: Mind, Body, and Spirit/Soul. "I'm going to get that degree this year." "I'm going to read some good books this year." "I'm going to exercise more this year." "I'm going to lose weight this year." "I'm going to pray more this year." "I'm going to read more of the Bible this year."
The problem with New Year's Resolutions is that we have a difficult time following through, and by the end of January, or even earlier, we've lost our focus on our resolutions. The beauty of our faith, though, is that we can resolve to improve ourselves, to become the person God created us to be, any time throughout the year. Each day offers us a new beginning. Whenever we ask for forgiveness and work toward reconciliation we have the opportunity to improve and become the person God created us to be.
I would propose that you do make New Year's Resolutions, goals to improve your Mind, Body, and Spirit/Soul and become the person God created you to be. Write them down and post them somewhere that you will see them each day. You could even keep a daily or weekly journal to help you track your progress. Then, at the end of January, review those goals to determine how you're doing and if they are still realistic. At the end of January, continue with your original goals, revise them, or create new goals for February. Continue this process throughout the year, all the time keeping in mind that God wants you to be the person God created you to be.
Whatever you resolve to do this year, remember that God loves you unconditionally and wants you to fully become the person God created you to be. Ask God to help you through your journey.