Frank J. Buchman

Cowboy • Horseman • Writer

Revitalizing Friendships Best Resolution

Well, another year nearly gone.

All in all likely one of the very best, despite resent incomprehensible setback.

Time to look ahead, plan what must be done, set personal objectives.

It’s called New Year’s Resolutions, and always gets lots of hype in final weeks of past 12 months.

Seems many have the same ones every time.

First everywhere is to lose weight. Second, additional self-improvements like regular calisthenics.

More than a fifth of the population wants to lose weight? Some do for a while, but those who keep it off much fewer.

Of course stopping habit smoker’s forever promise. Fortunately, fewer smokers make that total number lower. Quitting smoking is nearly impossible to do for certain life timers.

With no self-experience, ending smoking can be harmful as continuing despite good-doers denying such.

Yes, most who’ve quit are healthier, happier, longer lived. Yet, always contend Aunt Lu’s proud dedicated quitting brought faster demise, and she really wasn’t ever really happy either. Likewise, Uncle Don quit cold turkey and passed at 55.

Seems many set plan for coming year is make more money, and that’s okay. Yet, money never yields happiness, but better management of what there is improves many aspects of living.

So really, how many actually keep their resolutions? Young bucks do better than old ones.

It’s claimed 38 percent of those in their 20s achieve the annual promise until a new calendar comes. Put a question mark after that if so desired.

Probably more realistic, only 16 percent of those past 50 follow through on next 12-month objectives.

No pat on the back sought, certainly no need for bigger hat. Until recent days, simple year ago objectives accomplished: daily ride, run around the barn, rope the dummy ten times. Not missed a day horseback, but other two sidelined presently.

Sixth most frequent resolution nationwide this year was “spend more time with family and friends.”

In reality with some variation that probably ought to top or be near there in everyone’s resolutions for 2018.

Call a family member not heard from in years, maybe decades.

Mail a note to every friend that comes to mind.

Go see shut-ins, those living alone, or in care facilities.

Life gets better with such simple gesture.

Reminded of James 20: “Don’t forget your friends. Go after them. They’re precious.”

+++ALLELUIA+++

XI–52–12-24-17

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