Determinations Not Resolutions

On My Mind this, the final day of 2019, is this tweet and subsequent post from Saeed Jones, author of HOW WE FIGHT FOR OUR LIVES:

When I was growing up, my mom liked to say "We don’t make New Year's resolutions in this house; we make determinations. We are a determined household." Here is what I learned from watching my mother summon the strength necessary to keep going: https://t.co/zWI1En2on7

— Saeed Jones (@theferocity) December 23, 2019

I not only love the simplicity of this statement by Saeed's mother, I respect and admire the strength of character communicated in the sentiment. It's stayed with me, picking at my mind in the quieter moments of the hectic holidays. Yes, determination not resolution. I don't resolve to do something as if I'm being forced by external influences to achieve their goals or what they perceive I should desire.  No, I am determined by the fires of purpose and planning within me to become who and what I wish on a path that will not break me.

So, thank you, Saeed. Thank you for honoring us with this glimpse of your mother and for letting us hold a tiny spark of her fire.

May the new year stoke the fires of your passions, Dear Readers, 

and may your path have enough twists to ensure 

you recognize and value all you achieve.