Culture
Let’s Talk About The Bad Word
Hey everyone!
Can you believe we’re already fresh into a new year? With every new year comes that one “bad” word... you know the one. No, not "exercise" (though that's probably on a few lists too). I'm talking about resolutions.
It's everywhere, right? The pressure to declare grand plans and transform ourselves overnight (and I’m already SuperWoman so what would I even transform into). But have you ever wondered where this whole "New Year's Resolution" thing even came from? Ya know, who to blame when your treadmill becomes a closet?
It's not as modern as you might think. The Babylonians actually started the tradition some 4,000 years ago. Their resolutions weren't about hitting the gym, though; they were more about returning borrowed farm equipment and paying off debts to the gods - more practical stuff. The Romans later joined in, making promises to Janus, the god of beginnings and transitions (hence January).
Fast forward to today, and while the spirit of self-improvement remains, I’m prepared to ditch the "resolution" label altogether. I mean, how many times have we enthusiastically declared a resolution on January 1st, only to find it gathering dust by mid-February? It's like setting ourselves up for failure!
Instead of resolutions, what if we embraced something a little more... flexible? Let's call them "New Year's Intentions" or "Tiny Triumphs." The idea is to focus on small, sustainable changes that genuinely bring joy or improvement to our lives, without the intense pressure of a "resolution."
Here are a few ideas to get you thinking outside the confined resolution box:
The "One New Skill a Month" Challenge (but make it weird): Instead of learning a whole new language, what if you learned to juggle in January, mastered the art of making paper airplanes in February, and learned to identify five new constellations in March? It's about novelty and fun, not mastery.
The "Compliment a Stranger Daily" Quest: This one is simple but powerful. Spread a little unexpected positivity. It could be about their cool shoes, their fantastic laugh, or even just a genuine "have a great day!"
The "Cook One Dish from a Different Culture Each Week" Adventure: Forget restrictive diets. This is about expanding your palate and your cultural horizons. Pick a country, find a recipe, and dive in! Who knows what delicious discoveries await? Some of my local family certainly won’t entertain this idea but it sounds great to me.
The "Digital Detox Hour Before Bed" Pact: Instead of declaring you'll never look at your phone again, commit to just one hour before bed where all screens are off. Ok, I know you are panicking - go for a half hour. Grab a book, listen to some music (probably not heavy metal), or just stare at the ceiling and think. Your brain (and sleep) will thank you.
The "Mystery Activity Monday" Tradition: Every Monday, do something you've never done before, or haven't done in ages. Visit a local park you've never been to, try a new coffee shop, or even just take a different route to work (eh). Inject a little spontaneity into your week. I could go roller skating and dance on stage in my pointe shoes - of course, it will look quite different after all of these years (to say the least).
The beauty of these "Tiny Triumphs" is that they're low-pressure, achievable, and designed to add more joy and interest to your life, rather than feeling like a chore. So, let's toast to a new year filled with manageable intentions and unexpected delights! I’m thinking about learning calligraphy for holiday cards.
What are your "Tiny Triumphs" for 2024? I'd love to hear them - tell me at [email protected]. Yours may be featured in an upcoming edition.
Shake your bod, stretch those limits (but safely!), and join the modern day
Expert level: The hips don’t lie?
Think big: Thank goodness for the save
Modern is interpretive: Is this my sister’s yearbook?
What’s Wrong With Your Dog?
Start Counting A Dog’s Age By Cells
If you are still following the "one human year equals seven dog years" rule, it may be time for an update. Recent veterinary research is shifting focus away from a dog's birthday and toward their biological age—the actual rate at which their cells are aging. The goal is no longer just "senior care," but preventative aging that begins as early as age four or five.
Think of it as proactive maintenance. By supporting their systems before they show signs of decline, we can extend their "healthspan"—the number of years they remain vibrant and active.
Here are a few ways to get ahead of the clock using some of the more advanced, lesser-known tools available today:
Beyond Glucosamine: Most owners wait for a limp to start joint supplements. Proactive care involves Green Lipped Mussel (GLM). Unlike standard fish oils, GLM contains a unique profile of Omega-3s and rare eicosatetraenoic acids (ETAs) that help preserve cartilage before it thins.
The "MCT" Brain Fuel: As dogs hit middle age, their brains become less efficient at metabolizing glucose.Adding Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)—specifically those derived from high-quality coconut oil—provides an alternative energy source to keep their cognitive function sharp.
The Power of Astaxanthin: While blueberries are a popular antioxidant, Astaxanthin (the algae-based red pigment found in salmon) is significantly more potent. It is one of the few antioxidants capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier to protect both the eyes and the central nervous system from cellular aging.
Metabolic Support with SAMe: Often reserved for liver issues, S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is gaining traction for its "multi-tool" effect on the body. It helps maintain cell membrane fluidity and supports the production of glutathione, the body's master antioxidant.
Moving from a reactive "fix it when it breaks" mindset to a "keep it running" strategy is the best way to ensure your dog's golden years are truly vibrant. The above were simply suggestions should your dog tolerate it and require it - however, always speak with your veterinarian before providing your dog new supplements, ensure the dosage is correct, and no negative interactions or side effects.
Chuckle
The fib is C. The Times Square ball has dropped every year since 1907 except for 1942 and 1943. Due to WWII "dim-out" restrictions, the city stayed dark, and the crowd observed a minute of silence instead.
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