My “Anti-New Year’s Resolution” Resolution

Years are numbers.  They’re merely demarcations of the calendar introduced by Pope Gregory XIII, in 1582.

But they also represent frontiers of passage.

As 2015 ends and 2016 begins, millions of New Year’s resolutions will come, and then pass.  Some pledge to go on diets and improve their health.  Others take on new projects or vow to complete unfinished tasks.  Many renew aspirations to be better people and improve relationships with family and friends.  Most of our annual reaffirmations are sincere.

Still, I’m puzzled as to why we need one specific day on the calendar to make constructive changes in our lives.  What makes every January 1st so special?  Why not February 3rd?  Or July 17th?  Or October 24th?  Instead, can’t there be 365 opportunities to turn over a new leaf and do something good?