Veterans share their New Year’s resolutions

Veterans’ New Year resolutions range from losing weight to making memories to thanking VA. Others promise to continue good works, drop a bad habit, or a achieve a personal goal.

Why, though?

The idea of a yearly resolution began in 2000 B.C., when the Babylonians celebrated the New Year during a 12-day festival starting with the vernal (spring) equinox—the one of two times per year “when the Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, resulting in a “nearly” equal amount of daylight and darkness at all latitudes,” according to the National Weather Service.

It was that period of rebirth, when hope springs eternal. Today, in the U.S., the idea of resolutions neatly begin on the first day of the calendar year.

So, what’s your resolution for the New Year? Here are some thoughts from Veterans across the country:

• “For 2024, I want it to be a year of healing from a loss, a year of new purpose, a year of new adventures and most importantly a year of making memories.” Lisa Olney, Air Force Veteran, Detroit VA patient
• “Add an additional hive for my bee colony.” Duncan Crossman, Air Force, Bedford VA
• “Achieve greater consistency in my business decisions by cultivating self-belief in the face of doubt, trusting my instincts and persisting even when the outcome appears unlikely or unfavorable. Robin Baker, Army, 1984-2005, Atlanta, GA
• “My 2024 New Years Resolution is to continue my path of mental, physical and holistic healing so I may begin to enjoy the fullness of my life and be able to allow new experiences in and embrace those moments.” Robert, Marine Corps, Caribbean VA

Life is too short

• “Be more present in my family’s life. Life is too short and the more present you can be for your family and friends you will make some great memories. Army Sergeant Major (Retired) Carmen Daugherty, OIF/OEF, Oklahoma City
• “I am going to quit smoking so I can be healthier and happier.” Alfred Moore, Army, Cold War, Dallas VA
• “I want to add more volunteering at VA to my calendar in 2024 because there is always more to be done for Veterans.” Richard Aguinaga, US. Army and U.S. Navy, Vietnam and Cold War, Dallas VA
• “Spend more quality time with my family, arrange exciting activities, practice active listening, celebrate family milestones and make a conscious effort to be totally present.” Mario Rodriguez Jr., Air Force, Vietnam, Volunteer at Northern California Health Care System
• “To spend more time with my daughter and all my grandkids when I come home.“ Lahoma Hayner, Army, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Ralph H. Johnson VA

Activity – Live a hundred years

• “To practice living an IKIGAI lifestyle. An old proverb goes: ‘Only staying active will make you want to live a hundred years.'” Jerry Brown, Army 1969-1972, Perry Point VA
• “To get outside and enjoy more activities like hiking around Texas.” Vyvienne Flores, Global War On Terrorism, Dallas VA
• “My New Years resolution is to lose some weight, meditate daily, and worry less and be present all the time.” Axel, Army, VA employee since 1998, Caribbean VA
• “Cut-back on sugar with a goal to eliminate completely. I am addicted to gummy bears.” Yvonne M. Somerville, Navy, Andrews Air Force Base

Lost 226 pounds

• “Continue with the plant-based eating until the end of December 2023. I started a 21-day plant based challenge in November 2023 and completed with great results. I have lost 226 pounds since I joined the MOVE program in 2018.” David Pina, Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA
• “To give back to the Veterans and VA. They helped me so much when I needed them. Thanks to everyone.” Curtis May, Air Force 1978-1982, Fairchild AFB
• “Be a better me. I want to be better than I can be. Integrity!” Michael Gerberding, Army, Desert Shield/Storm