Stepping into 2025, I remember the tumultuous years of the past. Despair and happiness interwoven, a roller-coaster of ups and downs, hanging like cobwebs. I get ready to scrub my imperfections and clear up.
There are many imperfections, but I know they are jotted down theoretically, and in practice, they might fall like a dead tree. New Year’s resolutions can be useful, yet at the same time, a little funny. I reflect upon my future goals for self-improvement. By setting resolutions, I feel I can identify a few important things in my life that I would prefer to change. I start making plans to work on them, and those changes become my priority, though I know the ultimate consequence of it.
Since childhood, I have made resolutions every year, but I was never serious about them. I was never serious about my studies, though I never failed. My mom was tired of telling me to be regular in my studies. I used to concentrate on my studies only at the last moment when exam dates approached. It was the same with my music and dance classes. Maybe I would have done much better if I hadn’t been so careless.
As the years rolled on, my nature didn’t change an inch. Every year, I made different resolutions reflecting upon my routine. I used to visit the Shiva temple nearby without a gap, but the COVID-19 period suddenly put a stop to it. Even after normalcy returned, I didn’t resume going to the temple. I became lazy. Then the resolution of morning and evening walks entered my mind. I followed it for a few months but then stopped. I crave sweets, and when I was detected with borderline pre-diabetic symptoms, I made a very quick resolution not to consume any more sweets. It lasted for some time, but then I couldn’t control myself when I saw the sight of ice cream and pastries.
This time, I know no transformation would suddenly break my old pattern. In 2024, I made certain resolutions, but till today, the date is 28th January 2025, and none of them have been followed. I guess the process of resolutions can help motivate me further in my writing, music, and dance. No doubt, resolutions are quite accountable if followed sincerely, as they work towards achieving specific goals. New Year’s resolutions can increase the sense of accomplishment and self-esteem.
Resolutions, in a way, are helpful to me to reflect upon the future and reminisce on past follies. They highlight areas of my life’s priorities that I should focus on to improve. I have started setting goals for 2025 and charting out plans to work towards them. I feel that this could be a good opportunity to bring change by setting a routine schedule. New Year’s resolutions remain a tradition, and they can be an important tool for commemorating positive changes in our lives.
Making a resolution is easy, but following it is a difficult task. It can be motivating and also a way to celebrate the start of the new year on the right foot. Ultimately, the importance of these resolutions depends on the individual. I felt it was important to approach the elements of resolutions with a sense of realism.
Here, my actions have been focused on starting regular walks and exercise, practicing classical music daily, trying meditation for mental health, inventing new dishes, trying to be calm and composed, leaving anxiety behind, fixing a timetable for my daily routine, etc. As of today, 28th January 2025, it hasn’t been delivered; it is still in the womb, in hidden silence.
There are even petty things like keeping the house clean, keeping the wardrobe tidy, gardening, etc. My wardrobe is always messy. House cleaning certainly becomes my husband’s department, and the same goes for gardening; he manages it single-handedly. Then comes the reading habit—I have no patience to read. This time, my resolutions inspired me to read, but till now, no traces of it have been found.
As for bringing self-discipline, it is nowhere to be found. Lastly, not telling lies—it’s very difficult; the lie is always on the tip of my tongue.
– Uma Natarajan
About The Author:
Dr. Uma Natarajan holds an M.A. in English Literature from Gwalior University and is a dedicated educator and esteemed poet. Throughout her career, she has taught English and Hindi at the higher secondary level, particularly in convent schools.
Her literary contributions span both English and Hindi poetry. She has self-published 18 books of English poetry and 2 books of Hindi poetry. Her impactful writing is evident across various literary platforms and groups, where she regularly shares her poems and articles.
Dr. Uma Natarajan’s works have been published in several prestigious magazines and websites. Her extensive experience and dedication to writing have earned her a distinct place in the literary world.
Dr. Uma Natarajan – An inspiring figure who brings thoughts to life through words.
