NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
While the partridge still roosts in the pear tree and the Yule log continues to glow,
Our thoughts turn to the new year and our plans begin to grow.
Always proceed with caution and heed wise words you have heard.
Don’t be lulled by the warmth of the Yule log fire or the cooing of the bird.
How long is the list of things you want to do, intend to do, are determined to do in 2025? Perhaps it isn’t a formal list. You haven’t put anything in writing but, nevertheless, you know it exists.
I have a list that is growing by the day. Perhaps I should have two lists. One list for writing I intend to do and the other for everything else. You know, like downsizing (even though I’m not planning to move), what to plant in the garden in the spring, family research – and the list goes on. We both know it isn’t going to happen, but it doesn’t hurt to plan, just in case.
As I was thinking of grandiose projects, some admonitions came to mind. I have no idea who may have first offered these words of caution. Perhaps William Shakespeare, Edgar Allen Poe, James J. Metcalfe or some quick-witted anonymous writer.
So, as you’re making your plans, keep the following in mind:
1) Look before you leap.
(This applies to business deals or affairs of the heart.)
2) Neither a borrower nor lender be.
3) Don’t believe everything you hear.
4) Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
5) Let sleeping dogs lie.
6) Don’t bite off more than you can chew.
7) Better to deal with the devil you know than the devil you don’t know.
(Let’s hope you don’t have to deal with him in any form.)
The fire has begun to flicker and the partridge soon will fly.
In spite of all my planning, my thoughts have gone awry.
There are many choices before us as this new year arrives.
Each choice we make is a corner turned on the journey of our lives.
What now, my friend, what lies ahead we can only guess.
Let’s meet again at this year’s end and we can reminisce.
Wishing one and all a productive, prosperous, healthy, and happy new year!
Mary Nolan Brown