Repent The End Is Near – hopefully!

Resolution, Revolution Then RepentNew Year New Me

res·o·lu·tion – ˌrezəˈlo͞oSH(ə)n – noun

 a firm decision to do or not to do something.

“she kept her resolution not to see Anne any more”
synonyms: intention,resolve,decision,intent,aim 
new years
We can thank (or blame) the ancient Babylonians for the New Year’s Resolution. It is believed that they began this practice over 4,000 years ago.  Not surprisingly that coincides with the timing for the first New Year celebrations. Perhaps there is some linkage to all that celebrating and the resolve to change behavior. 
There is some statistical data that says less than 8% of all New Year’s Resolutions are successful. I’m surprised that it is that high.  My personal experience is that the Resolution (firm decision to do or not do) is not the answer.  For me the “firm decision” is only the prompt. I need a complete change of behavior(s) to make it happen.  Something totally different.  I NEED REVOLUTION!!

revolution – [rev-uhloo-shuh n] 

a sudden, complete or marked change in something: the present revolution in  church architecture 

start-a-revolution.jpgOur founding fathers did not just make a resolution to create a new nation, they reinforced the words with action. There was a revolution. They revolted! Sound dramatic? Perhaps. On a personal level, the only way for me to make significant change is to have a revolt against my current behavior or habit. Changing my thoughts is a great first step, but without the “revolt” I find myself floundering and all too often failing.  I think there is one more word that needs to be included in my recipe for change.  Something to add permanency to the change.

Repent –  re.pent – rəˈpent

feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one’s wrongdoing or sin.

This common definition is often linked to religion.  I am thinking of the Greek changeword that translates to repent:  Metanoia- “a transformative change of heart”; a turning around if you will.  This meaning for repent is the key for change. Without the turning around, change can’t happen.  When I talk to someone who has made a significant change such as quitting smoking or the loss of significant weight, there always seems to be a moment of “metanoia”. An about face that drives the revolution which in turn fulfills the resolution. “I was this and now I am this”. Until the heart changes little else is likely to. So simple yet SO difficult.

So for my New Year message I need to channel my “inner Greek”.

I hope you repent, (experience metanoia) which fuels a personal revolution which in turn leads to success in your New Year’s resolutions. And if you don’t achieve a total success at least be above average. (remember the 92% failure rate- YIKES!)

Have a blessed and Happy New Year

Happy New Year

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