C2 - Sunday News, January 10, 1982 THINKING SLIM Resolving those resolutions By JEAN NIDETCH Resolutions — good inten-, tions or wishful think ing? Resolution. The dic- tionary defines the word as a quality of firm deter- mination; a decision as to a future course of action. Then there is the definition used in the field of optics: . The bringing of ail com- ponent parts of an object into clear focus. Finally, there is the musical definition: The passing of a dissonant chord into a more harmonious one. Since New Year’s Day or resolution time has passed, we might do well to keep all these de- finitions in mind. A resolution is more than a simple intention, more than some half-formed notion hatched in the after- noon of too much holiday cheer, backed up by nothing more than wishful thinking. resolution is a_ well- thought-out decision made with a clear mind and backed up with firm deter- mination. Anything less than that is not a resolution, but merely an exercise in self- deception. A resolution is a decision about a future course of action. Ideally, then, it should remain in effect, not until New Year's Day is over, not until the next dinner party or social event, not until the end of January, but . permanently. This does not mean the maker of the resolution does not back- slide occasionally; to err is part of being human. But a resolution carries with it the implication that the back- slider will return to his ideal course as soon as possible and continue to adhere to that course as far as he is able. A resolution, too, is a kind of bringing into focus of the various components and aspects of a problem. It requires careful examination and reflection on a problem to determine what best to do about it. It's a healthy thing to re-examine our lives every now and then, to discard harmful habits and attitudes we have outgrown and adopt new ones more in tune with our present circumstances. Finally, a resolution is a passing from a discordant, dissonant note to a more pleasant one. A_ harmful habit is like a sour note; it grates on our souls and tugs women Deal with post holiday blues Welcome to the January slump--time when people use terms like “burnout” and “post-Christmas blues” to describe the let-down they experience after the holiday season. After the hectic rush many people are not only physically tired but _ emotionally drained. According to Capilano College instructor Andrea Kiss, however, the problem is not that we have done too much over the holidays, but rather that what we have done lacks meaning. Christmas celebrations (or other activities such as work) can lead to burnout when they do not reflect the purpose of our lives as a whole. So how can one avoid the January slump? 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Kiss has worked for seven years in career and life planning programs at Capilano College and she helping enjoys people FASHIONS 1128 Lonsdale ANNUAL JANUARY > FASHIONWIDE! ¢ Swimwear ‘bontessa resolve conflicts and make decisions which will enhance their lives. “Each person is searching for purpose and meaning in life—in other words, wanting to avoid that low time that so often occurs *Long Gowns ___. 50% off ¢Sweaters & Handbags. .. 30% off *Lingerie & Lounge Wear 30% off e Umbrellas & Scarves 30% off OPEN Mon [mor S010 908 vom 10 30 6 OO pm e nel 1 ORIENTAL RUGS NOW OPEN ALO PISAN BUCS INC 2235 GRANVILLE STREET, VANCOUVER All our rugs are 100% pure wool, hand-knotted ina superb array of colours and patterns — Persians, Bokharas, Sarouks and many more. OPENING SALE — UP TO 30% OFF > Month of January only after Christmas.” Kiss instructs the Career Alternatives “Program (CAP). This program provides women with an opportunity to assess their lives and committments; their skills and interests; and to set goals which are meaningful to them whether those goals involve family responsibilities, new jobs or careers or education as just a few examples. For more information on call 986- 1911. at our minds, coloring every- thing we do with uneasiness and guilt. Once we have resolved that note into a more harmonious one by taking action to correct the problem, we find, to our surprise, that the rest of our lives seem more harmonious as well. We needn't even wait until the results of our resolutions become appar- ent; there is strength and positive power in taking the first step. New Year's resolutions will be around as long as there are people to make — and break — them. It's up to you to decide if yours will be the wishful thinking kind, or the type that will lead to the eventual achievement of your desired goals. 106 West 3rd St. North Van. 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