NEW BEGINNINGS

With the New Year is fast approaching, millions of adults are making a myriad of resolutions. Among the most popular in America are: losing weight, getting fit, quitting smoking and saving money. These are all honorable goals. However, kid’s priorities and ambitions are also worth reflection.

I sat down with a class of eighth graders and we spoke about their New Year resolutions. I was happily surprised to find that these teenagers are not the materialist mongrels they are often perceived to be. They are not tricked by magazine advertisements and television reality shows that insist happiness results from being thin, rich and narcissistic. 

They have incorporated the words of the wise Benjamin Franklin, “Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man.” 

Almost all said they wanted to do better academically, even the A students! Jennifer’s resolution is “to improve in math, writing and drawing.”  Sydney said she wanted to “start doing her science homework.”  Taylor wanted to “get at least a 3.9 grade point average so I can make my family proud and get rewarded.” Jonah wanted to, “stay on the honor roll.” What a bunch of overachievers!

Justin, like many of us, is self-conscious and his goal is to overcome his anxiety. “My New Year’s resolution is to not care what people say and think anymore. Right now, I care what people say and think about me when I do something. Like, if my brother or sister make fun of me, it gets under my skin and bothers me, so in 2017, I want to be able to just let it slide off my back.” What a world it would be if none of us worried about petty gossip or grappled with misrepresentations.

Marissa, a very shy girl, wrote down, “My New Year’s resolution is to be more confident. Confidence will help me succeed. I want to feel better about how I look, and be more outspoken; maybe even make new friends. This will help me be surer of my decisions.” I think all of us can benefit from this counsel.

Boisterous Stepahnie wants to be more patient and have more self-control. “This is because I get in trouble a lot for ‘not holding my tongue’.” I know my life would be more peaceful if a few of my family members heeded this pledge.

Blake, who was recently reprimanded for being a bully, learned from his mistake. “My New Year’s resolution is to be nicer to people and understand their point of view. I want to do this because I don’t like being mean to people. When I’m mean to people, they think I’m a jerk.” Wise words from a young man who learned a valuable lesson.

One lucrative advantage to all these chivalrous resolutions – they don’t cost a dime! You don’t need to invest in expensive workout equipment, spend a fortune on worthless diet pills or buy Nicorette gum.

Whatever your resolution, I wish you fortitude and perseverance in your pursuits and may you be blessed with a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2018.

Contact Margaret Lavin at elementarydays@gmail.com.