New Year’s resolutions encounter pros and cons

New Year’s resolutions encounter pros and cons

By Derek Joy

Ah, yes. It is that time – 2015. New Year’s Day.

The New Year so often reflects much of what is associated as a time of renewed hope, new beginnings, even a second chance to accomplish this, that or the other.

Questions abound. New Year’s Resolutions command much attention. Is it worthwhile to make resolutions; are they valid, have you made any?

People were asked these questions. While several people, including elected officials, chose not to answer, others had some interesting things to say.

“For me, it’s a waste of time,” said Marguerite Mosley, a retired Miami Dade Public School teacher, when asked about making New Year’s Resolutions.

Added Frank Pinckney, a retired Metro Rail dispatcher: “No. I do not think they are worth-while.”

On the other hand, some think differently.

“Making New Year’s Resolutions gives clear thinking people an opportunity to strive and improve and secure their situations,” said Vanessa Thomas, a Pompano Beach resident.

“Some people don’t make them because they can improve their lives whether it’s New Year’s or not.”

For sure, improving one’s quality of life is always a consideration. There are those who make New Year’s Resolution to make a conscious effort to reach certain goals, achieve desired results, or engage in an exercise of deception futility.

Of course, the person making those resolutions, whether it is the first time or one of many, does so with a purpose.

“I’ve made them in the past and I‘ve stuck with most of the important ones,” said Henri Scarlett, a security guard seeking a teaching position with the Miami Dade Public Schools.

“They can be very worth-while, even the typical ones like losing weight. It’s about what the individual wants for their life. But simply making the resolution isn’t enough. You have to work to bring it to fruition.”

Shift the focus to the role of making New Year’s Resolutions with respect to parenting.

Fritz Etienne, Sr., whose son, Fritz Jr., starred for the Memphis University Tigers in a victory over Brigham Young University in the inaugural Miami Beach Bowl, and daughter Albreia, a 10th grade honor student in Miami Northwestern High School’s Medical Magnet Program, are given freedom to grow without parental pressure.

“There’s nothing wrong with making New Year’s Resolutions. Me, personally, I think they should be made as you go along in life,” said Etienne, Sr.  “You shouldn’t have to wait until the New Year.

“I’ve never really sat down and tried to tell my kids to make resolutions. I just tell them to try to do better. I tell them to work hard.”

Curiously, a step further into the political arena and no sitting elected official contacted chose to respond.

However, former El Portal Mayor Daisy Black, who was recently defeated by then Councilwoman Claudia Cubillos, weighed in.

“No. I don’t make resolutions because I’ve never accomplished them. I may make 10 and accomplish maybe five or six,” said Black, who recently received a Proclamation from the Florida State League of Cities recognizing her 20 years of public service.

Black served 20 years (not consecutive) on the El Portal Village Council, eight as mayor.

“My thing in the public arena is to do a lot more of the community service thing. We used to have a program called “The Village Cares,” where we did things for senior citizens and youths,” said Black. “That’s a program I’d like to bring back.”