CREDIT: ISTOCK (MANGPOR_2004)
New Year's resolutions may not always last long, but it is a step in the right direction, which should be respected.

January has arrived and with that, people have set New Year’s resolutions. Whether it be losing weight, quitting smoking, or putting more effort into school, New Year’s resolutions are a way of living a healthier and happier life.

Many people have negative opinions about New Year’s resolutions and find that they often do not last more than a couple of months.

However, that does not mean that people should stop making resolutions to better their lives.

If someone decides to start going to the gym as their New Year’s resolution, it is no one else’s business to shut it down. Yes, the gyms are often busier during January and the all-year round gym goers often do not like that.

Shouldn’t people trying to get healthier and exercise be something to celebrate? It can be intimidating to go to the gym after taking some time off, so the dirty looks and snarky comments from already fit people makes things worse.

Even if the person only lasts a couple of months at the gym, at least they put in the effort and recognized that they want to be healthier.

Getting to the gym is a step in the right direction and people do not need to rain on their parade.

Similarly, if someone decides to quit smoking as their new year’s resolution, give them some credit.

Quitting smoking is very difficult and it can be hard to quit cold turkey. Be patient with someone who is quitting smoking as it can alter their mood and make them more irritable.

It may take a couple of tries to quit smoking but deciding to do it is the first step. It may not last, but similar to going to the gym, it is a step in the right direction. Negative opinions and not supporting people when they try to make positive life changes is detrimental to both you and the person who set the resolution.

The same goes for quitting drinking, saving money, or even spending less time on your phone. Even if you do not believe that someone will be able to accomplish these things, it is still important to support them.

If someone has people close to them constantly telling them they can not do something, they may start believing them.

New Year’s resolutions may not always last a long time, but it is a way for people to have new beginnings. Taking a step to become healthier and happier is always a good thing.

One day the person may make their new year’s resolution stick so it is important to support people trying to make a positive change in their lives.
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.