Wednesday 31 December 2014

A Promise for the New Year



A New Year’s Resolution

2015 is about to start and, as I do almost every year, I’ve been thinking about resolutions and whether or not I should make a few. As has been the case in the past, I’ve had my doubts about the value of New Year’s resolutions. If I study the past and reflect on what I consider to be the best decisions I’ve made in my life I come to the conclusion not one of them was actually made on or even near January 1st.

My decision to try and write a book was made one day in October 2013 when I, in all my innocence, questioned on Twitter whether or not it is true that everybody has at least one story in them. Friends jumped on the Tweet and ensured me not only would I find at least one story hiding somewhere deep inside, I should also try to write it. And what better opportunity to test my writing skills, than NaNoWriMo, which was about to start a couple of weeks later. Thirteen months and two publishing deals later I have to admit accepting their challenge has been one of the better decisions I’ve ever made.

Another good decision I made recently was to stop buying cigarettes. That one was made on June 1st last and I have more or less been able to stick to it, much to my surprise if I’m honest. I could go on and present more examples of wonderful decisions I made on dates other than January 1st, but I think you get the idea.

I don’t really view the start of a New Year as anything other than a reason for me to make mistakes whenever I have to write the date down. It usually takes me about a month before I remember to use the right year. Having said all of that, this year I do have a project I will start on January 1st.

In May 2015 Ireland will hold a referendum on marriage equality. This is a cause I have strong feelings about. In fact, I wouldn’t even call them feelings. I never have and never will understand why two people who are both of age and love each other shouldn’t be allowed to marry, should they wish to do so. How does it affect anybody else, and why should other people have a say in the matter? I just don’t get it. I don’t care nor interfere with where people choose to live, what sort of car they want to drive or any other personal decision. Why should whether or not they wish to get married be any different?

Because I feel so strongly about it and because the discussions I’ve been hearing and reading in the media recently have infuriated me, I have decided to crawl out of my shell and for once in my life take a stand. This is a rather big decision for me. I don’t like drawing attention to myself, I abhor conflict and tend to bite my tongue rather than speak up about issues, no matter how important or personal. Because I expect the discussion to get more intense and potentially more divisive as soon as the media and politicians return from their Christmas break, this is one decision which will take effect on January 1st.

I have written all my arguments to counter the naysayers down in a post I will share, probably tomorrow. These are the same arguments I intend to inundate the media with whenever I encounter what I consider to be ill thought-out, bigoted or mean-spirited comments on those media platforms. It scares me that I will be sticking my head above the parapet but it is something I feel I have to do. Either way, and whatever the outcome, it will be over no later than coming June. Six months of potential discomfort are not too big a price to pay for something I feel as strongly about as I do about marriage equality.

I have no vested interest in this argument. My marriage is as traditional as it is happy. I think that may make me more, rather than less qualified to speak; or, if not qualified, then at least an impartial participant. It will make no difference to my life and happiness whether or not this referendum is passed. I do believe the world will be a better place if we manage to get rid of yet another form of inequality. People are people and love is love. The sooner the world understands that principle and starts living and legislating accordingly, the sooner all of us will be living in a better and happier environment.


I guess this is just a heads up. It is quite possible I’ll bore you to tears with my thoughts on this matter between now and next June. I do it in the belief it is not only the right, but also the only thing to do, and I refuse to apologize for it.


10 comments:

  1. Ooooo. Love that picture! Some resolutions I've made, I've stuck to. For instance, in my early twenties, I pledged to start filing away my paperwork the moment I finish paying my bills. No more giant stacks of paper waiting to be dealt with. I've stuck to that. Another year I vowed to fold my laundry, piece by piece, as it comes out of the dryer. No more piles of clean clothes that can't be worn because they wrinkled. I've stuck to that as well. As you know, I not only quit buying cigs, I quit smoking them as well. So far...I've stuck to that. It wasn't a resolution - had it been, I'd have probably failed. The downside of that is, because of "succeeding", I've totally packed on the pounds, so I'm going to have to do the traditional weight loss resolution, knowing full well that's the one the I and everyone else breaks every single year. :( In order to do that, though, I'm going to have to get back into a more active lifestyle than I currently have, which will mean less time online. I'll have to figure out a way to keep up on Larry while I'm on the treadmill. Ha. You have a wonderful, strong voice. I think this is the perfect platform for you to practice using it because it IS something you truly believe it. Go get 'em!! <3

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    1. I've stuck to resolutions, I've just never made them on January 1st. Also, I can't imagine anything coming between you and Larry, least of all a treadmill. We'll see how well my voice does in public. If it all gets too much I know where to find you. Have a wonderful 2015

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    2. LOL - thinking I can at least scroll Tumblr during a warmup/cooldown maybe??

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  2. I think it's wonderful that you're speaking up about something you feel passionate about and I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

    And I hope your 2015 is even better than 2014 was! <3

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    1. Thank you Brigham. It scares the shit out of me but it's either share my thoughts or shout at the radio :)

      I hope you have the bestests of New Years

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  3. I agree with you Helena ... we supporters need to keep raising our head up & really support our friends in need! I does not effect me except in my heart & soul when someone is abused or labeled for who they love. I HATE labels! Why does who a person love give anybody the right to label another? I truly believe you have the Voice they need & I'm here to support you right along with my whole family! May 2015 be an outstanding year for you & your hubby! Love from Alaska

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    1. Thank you Ann. I think I hate labels at least as much as you do. I wish you and yours all the best for the New Year from Dermot and me. Love from Ireland.

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  4. Great goals! I know quitting smoking is a tough one! I look forward to reading all the 'arguments' when you post. I worked on my goals today and discovered that my theme for 2015 is Balance. Balancing my wants and have to's. I'll post it on G+ later since it's a graphic, of course! Happy New Year!

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    1. Thank you, Yukari and good luck with your goals. I'll have a look for your Graphic on G+ later. Have a fabulous 2015

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  5. It's never too late to become a crusader for something you know is right. :)

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