A Wavering Declaration, Or A Firm Oath
by: Bob Arba
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Word Count: 1018
What is a resolution? A resolution can be described in many ways. Often it is referred to as a declaration or decree that from this day forward I will do such and such. Or it could be a determination that during such a said period of time, I intend to accomplish a certain feat. However, most often people fail to have the true resolve or perseverance and steadfastness to maintain their course of directive or to reach the goal(s) that they have set for themselves.
I wanted to learn what the word resolution meant. So I went to the dictionary, and found that it means a decree, a declaration, a decision, a motion, or a ruling. It is a promise, a pledge, an oath or a vow. It is a resolve, steadfastness, a determination, tenacity, firmness and perseverance. It is a solution, an answer, an end, an upshot or an outcome. It means to be resolute. Resolute is defined as being firm, unyielding, stubborn, unwavering and steadfast.
Usually people only think about resolutions around New Years. But can’t a resolution be at any time of year? I have often attempted to make a resolution to stop eating. But then that idea was crushed about 30 minutes later when my stomach began to complain. You see, it is my desire to lose a few pounds of unwanted adipose tissue, otherwise known as “fat”. But I have never had the resolve (tenacity) to make it happen.
Now keep in mind that I as a child I was taught by a very conservative father that I should not make New Years resolutions. His reason for teaching me this was based upon a scripture in the bible that mentions something along the lines of (and I paraphrase)”It is better to never make a vow, than to make one and break it”. He also taught me that a man should be as good as his word. He said, “Son, if you say that you are going to do something, then it is your responsibility to make sure that it gets done. A man must be as good as his word”. I never forgot that.
However, I really wanted to shed a few pounds. I had tried many diets and plans, but none seemed to work. Either I didn’t see enough results to keep me motivated to stay on track, or the food that I was limited to according to the specific diet plan was not appeasing my appetite. So I tried again and again, only to fail again and again. That is until the end of 2006. That is when I made up my mind that I was going to lose it or else.
I made a decision (Resolution) to be unwavering (Resolute) in my daily vigil until I had lost the unwanted flab. It was not an option, but it was a must. I decided that come January, after all of the holidays were over, I was going to loose some weight. It was not just because it was New Years, but because I wanted to wait until the temptation of all the holiday goodies were gone. I just couldn’t imagine a Christmas without my favorite Pecan Pie. I love to bake, and I love to eat.
When the first week of January 2007 arrived, I began my journey of perseverance. I had obtained some herbal supplements that worked real well for me in helping to suppress my appetite. At the same time they gave me a much needed energy boost and the much-desired motivation. I denied myself any type of starchy foods including bread, pasta or rice. Now let me say that for me that was a sacrifice. I love my starchy foods. Life just can’t get any better than “Rice and Gravy” or “Meat and potatoes”. I also cut out all sweets. No desserts for me not even Pecan Pie! Hey, on a couple of occasions I even thought that I was having withdrawal symptoms. The only time that I wavered from my diet was on Sundays. This was the one-day out of each week that I would treat myself for the discipline that I had so faithfully maintained throughout the week. On Sundays, I would eat a nice hearty meal, but even then I was careful not to overeat.
Because of my resolute resolve (unyielding tenacity) I found that I could truly reach my goals. During the first six months of the year I maintained absolute steadfastness to the diet plan. However during the final six months, I did waver somewhat. But by the years end I was still satisfied with the overall results. During the course of the year 2007, I lost approximately Fifty pounds. Today I feel so much better and have a brighter outlook on the future. And believe it or not, I have had quite a few compliments on how much weight that I’ve lost.
In all of this, I learned that a resolution is not a dream or goal that is set at the beginning of each year only to be forgot within a couple of weeks. A true resolution is to have the mindset that “I have a goal and I am willing to do whatever it takes to achieve it”. Then being dogmatically stubborn with your determination to stay the course. I must absolutely resist the temptation to look back. As an old cliché’ goes, “If you keep doing the same things that you’ve always did, then you will always get the same results”. However if I desire change in the results or outcome, then there must be a change in the way or method that I set out to achieve those results. Resolution is being resolute (Steadfast, Unwavering) in ones mind about an idea. All I can say is that it worked for me.
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About the Author
Bob Arba has written several articles and true stories about life and living. Bob is currently working to complete his first in a series of three Novels. Bob has a passion for writing. You may view some of his other writings by visiting www.Arba.FaithWeb.com Bob welcomes any comments from his readers. You may email him at Arba2722@yahoo.com
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