Every year on January 1 people all over the world make the decision to change something about their life. Have you ever wondered where the idea of New Year's Resolutions come from?
The tradition of the New Year's Resolutions goes all the way back to 153 B.C.
The ancient Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts. In the Medieval era, knights took the "peacock vow" at the end of the Christmas season each year to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry.
We have continued the tradition of making resolutions at the start of the new year. According to the University of Scranton, Journal of Clinical Psychology, approximately 45% of Americans make New Year's Resolutions and the most popular New Year's Resolutions are:
- To Lose Weight
- To Get Organized
- Spend Less, Save More
- Enjoy Life to the Fullest
- Staying Fit and Healthy
- Learn Something Exciting
- Quit Smoking
- Help Others in Their Dreams
- Fall in Love
- Spend More Time with Family
At the Adult Literacy League many of our students have made similar resolutions to improve their lives. Whether it is the decision to learn to read, to earn a GED, to improve English skills or to help the young people in their lives learn to love literacy, our students and volunteers are making big changes throughout the year!
