New Year’s Day

🥳
The first day of the year is a time for reflection, renewal, and resolution-making.
And it has been since we invented calendars.

The Babylonians, for example, have celebrated Akitu since way before year 0 in our current calendar. Akitu, though, is celebrated in mid-March to coincide with the start of the agricultural year. A new year, with new crops.
In pre-christian Rome, New Year was dedicated to the god of doors and portals; Janus.
Janus is also how January got its name.
Nowadays, New Year’s Eve is often a time of celebration, complete with fireworks, parties, and lots of noise-making to ring in the new year. 

But when the clock strikes midnight, many of us are left with the aftermath of the celebrations – a messy house, heaps of dirty dishes, empty champagne bottles, litter from fireworks all over the streets ….and more.
But, cleaning up doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore.
Make it fun by turning on some upbeat music and use only the best smelling detergents and soaps.
Why not invite friends and make a party out of it to clean all your houses one after another. It’s like a reverse party where the guests leave a clean house behind instead of a mess.

Once your house is tidy, it’s time to turn our attention to resolutions.
The key to making durable resolutions is to make them specific and achievable. Instead of resolving to “lose 20 kilos” or “get in shape”, set a specific goal such as “I will exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week.”
It’s also important to have a plan in place to achieve these goals, whether it’s joining a gym, hiring a personal trainer, or finding a workout buddy. Because a plan without a goal is just a wish.
Another tip for making durable resolutions is to focus on one or two things at a time. Trying to change too many things at once can be overwhelming and sets you up for failure. By focusing on one or two things, you’re more likely to stick to them and make them a habit.
And don’t beat yourself up if you slip up. You get knocked down but you get up again. Don’t make it all too serious. Just make this year better than the one before.
Every step forward is a good one!