LOSING weight, getting in shape, saving money and focusing more on self-care are among the most common New Year’s resolutions people make each year. And while these are certainly positive intentions, we also know that most of the time, these resolutions are hard to stick to. In 2023, rather than undertaking the same old goals, only to give them up later, try an alternative approach to your resolutions by committing to easy things that will improve your overall well-being in the long run.
Berea Mail spoke with award-winning filmmaker, Musgrave-based resident, Eubulus Timothy, about what his New Year’s plans are, and he shared some interesting insights that could potentially help you find a way to celebrate the New Year with a fresh mindset.
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Q: What do you usually do on New Year’s Eve – stay in with a few close friends or paint the town red?
A: As long as I remember, we would go to church on New Year’s Eve. The service would start from about 11:30 and end at about 12:15. We would go to the beach after church for a braai. But since I was blessed to live in London, India, Los Angeles and Cape Town, of course, we would go to church there too. Unfortunately, we can’t braai on the beach anymore. Nowadays, my family hang out at home after church.
Q: Do see the New Year as a clean slate – why or why not?
A: New Year’s Eve is a time for reflection. I try to reconcile the year that was – try to make sure I close doors that need to be closed and keep those ajar that need to be. I try to make peace with all those around me. The New Year is a new start. I feel I need to make sure I enter the New Year with a clean slate. I try to put the past behind me. In a strange way, the change in the number of the date is important to me. I would have new clothes for New Year’s Day as a child, and I try to do the same for my kids. It is a fresh start.
Q: What’s your take on New Year’s resolutions? Do you set a few goals or avoid them altogether? Tell us why.
A: I never set resolutions. I know that resolutions are made to be broken. I prefer falling backwards into the New Year. When you fall backwards, you learn to fly and soar into the future!
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Q: Would you like to share a few of your goals for 2023?
A: I’m planning to shoot my movie, The Cane Cutter, early in the New Year. I am still auditioning, so anyone interested can come through for auditions. I’m also running an Acting for the Camera Workshop this January. This is similar to the workshops I used to do in Hollywood. As an Aesthetic Dentist, I am doing a lot of research on pain and headaches to treat stress-driven pain. I also am doing a lot of work on Childhood Trauma called Complex PTSD. More and more people suffer from childhood trauma, and we need to be supportive of them.
Q: Do you usually keep your resolutions or give up in a week? Any times to stick to them?
A: Since I don’t have resolutions, I allow myself the freedom to breathe and embrace the New Year. I believe that the only thing permanent in life is change. We have to be resilient to accept transitions from old to new, past to future. I try to transition without kicking and screaming and with grace and poise, even when, at times, it may be hurting.
Q: What is your favourite way to spend the first day of the year?
A: New Year’s Day is a chill day. We get up late and try not to have any plans; we eat and maybe take a walk on the promenade, have a drink at The Point and spend time with the kids.
