Happy New Year!
January is named after the Roman god Janus, who presided over doors and beginnings – appropriately enough, for the beginning of the year. Janus’ image is usually depicted with two faces: one looking backwards and one looking forwards, as is often characteristic of a new year.
My resolutions for 2022 were modeled after ”When I come to be old” a writing in A Tale of a Tub from 1699 by Jonathan Swift. On this first day of January 2023, it is appropriate for me to review my resolutions made a year ago and to resolve to perhaps do better in 2023. I will use two symbols as I adjudicate my resolutions past and present: "A" for ACHIEVED; and "R" for RENEW.
I, C. Patrick Woliver, being of sane mind, resolve:
To seek good health. A & R
To be kind and generous. R
To question often, and form a rational opinion. A & R
Not to talk much, nor of my self, nor to my self. R Not to boast of my former beauty, or strength, or intelligence. R
Not to be too free of advice, nor trouble any but those that desire it. R
Not to keep company with people unless they really desire it. A & R Not to suffer fools gladly. A & R Not to tell the same story over and over to the same people. R Not to neglect decency, or cleanliness, for fear of falling into nastiness. R Not to be overly severe with young people, but give allowances for their youthful follies and weaknesses, and to recall my own. R Not to be influenced by, or give ear to knavish politicians and/or commentators. R
To desire some good friends to inform me which of these resolutions I break, or neglect; and, therefore, to reform accordingly. R
Whether I'm looking backward or forward, I wish everyone a Happy New Year!
CPW
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