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And then we're expected to greet the New Year armed with resolutions that most likely will be broken before January is out.

This year I decided to set, and begin implementing, my goals early. No more spending the last days of the year frantically overindulging in whatever I say I'm not going to do once the year turns. Farewell also to avoiding all the good things I swear I'm going to get into as soon as January 1 rolls around.

In fact, I've decided to dispense with the whole notion of a bunch of New Year's resolutions--my own history has proven that making numerous resolutions simply creates more areas in which to fall short or fail--and settled on one plan, one purpose, that will cover just about everything: It's to do something in 2007 about the things that matter to me.

Sounds easy, huh? But as we all know, it's a whole lot easier to talk the talk than it is to walk the walk. In our incredibly fast-paced world, we can quickly find ourselves buried under an avalanche of competing demands.

To help keep myself focused, I've made a short list of issues I'm concerned about, and how I want to respond to them. Of course, my list is flexible. I've left time, and energy, for surprises, both personal and public, that will doubtless pop up in the year ahead.

1. Actually get together with the people I like, instead of talking about doing it and procrastinating. The truth is, nothing's promised, especially time, and once someone's gone, the words "I meant to" are both meaningless and painful.
2. Exercise--even if it's cold outside, my weight's not a problem, and I really don't want to. The benefits of exercise in terms of heart health, weight control, a sense of well-being, and mental clarity are well documented. Would that merely talking about exercising were enough, but it's not.
3. Continue to protest the war in Iraq. Sure, the president is a hardheaded, arrogant fool, but that's all the more reason for those of us who oppose the war--and a possible attack on Iran--to continue to raise our voices against this administration's policies. Click here for info on the January 27 antiwar demonstration in Washington, D.C., and how you can become involved.
4. Fight for freedom for Genarlow Wilson. Wilson, an African-American football player, honor student, and homecoming king at his Georgia high school, was sentenced in 2004 to 11 years in prison, 10 with no chance of parole, for having consensual oral sex with a 15-year-old White girl at a New Year's Eve party. Wilson, 17 at the time, was sentenced under a Georgia law aimed at child molesters and sex offenders. In early December, the Georgia Supreme Court declined to hear his appeal. Not only should Wilson's future not be ruined, but his case speaks to all of us who are mothers, aunts, sisters, or friends of young Black men. For information about Wilson's case and what you can do, click here.
5. Show generosity of spirit to others. There are so many ways to build community and improve life through our generosity. Write a check, volunteer to help the young or old, or give those clothes you never wear to a shelter for battered women--or those books to an after-school program. Collect your sundry hotel-room toiletries, and when you've got a bagful, offer them to a shelter; they'll be much appreciated.
6. Remember to show the same generosity of spirit, forgiveness, and lovingness to myself. Years ago, a friend of mine commented, "I talk to myself in a way I would never allow anyone else to speak to me." Stop it! If you don't love and respect yourself, it will be difficult to share those gifts with others. Remember, you attract what you are. And that forgiveness will come in handy when you backslide, too.

Wishing all a safe, peaceful, happy New Year.

What items and issues are on your short list of priorities for 2007? What matters to you? In the comments section below, tell us what you'll be focused on in the New Year.

On the Verge columnist Jill Nelson's latest book, Finding Martha's Vineyard: African Americans at Home on an Island (Doubleday; $27.50), is in stores now

Published on: 12/26/2006

Atlanta magazine: "Why Is Genarlow Wilson in Prison?"  






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