On the last day of the year, I sit contemplating what resolutions to make for the forthcoming year.  Ugh!  I hate resolutions, and wish to avoid the typical ones, like:  lose weight, exercise more, read at least one book a month, etc, because my prior experience dictates that they will fail.  Alas, one cannot change a life style by a mere promise to change.  The only New Year’s resolution I ever kept was “To make no resolutions for the year.”  I nailed that one, without one slip up.  

I do not stand alone.  People are notorious for making New Year’s resolutions that they never keep, though starting with the best of intentions.  For example, every January 2, my gym is full of pudgy people hugging and puffing on the treadmills, making it difficult to use a machine without standing in line.  By the end of January, however, many machines open up — solid proof of broken resolutions.  Over the years, I have collected some words of wisdom to which I refer annually, when contemplating making my list of New Year’s resolutions:

—  “Good resolutions are simply checks that men draw on a bank where they have no account.”  Oscar Wilde (1854—1900)

—  “May all your troubles last as long as your New Year’s resolutions.”  Joey Adams, American actress (b 1968)

—  “This New Years I’m going to make a resolution I can keep:  no dieting all year long.”  Melanie White (unknown)

—  “Many people look forward to the new year for a new start on old habits.”  (Anonymous)

 After my usual year end contemplation, I revert to my favorite New Year’s resolution:  “To make no resolutions for this year.”  Truly, I expect no difficulty in keeping it.  And so, I end this year with my all time favorite New Years resolution quote:

— A news years resolution goes in one year and out the next. (Anonymous)