New Year's resolutions for Sisters folks

The beginning of a new year provides folks with a fresh start and an opportunity to begin again. Every year, January 1 gives us hope for the future and the ability to shut the door on the past.

It is the day we resolve to leave the past behind and move forward, it allows for a magical sense of renewal and a chance to start fresh.

It is the day to fill ourselves up with courage and tell ourselves this is the year we will start doing more of the things we want and stop doing the things that don't matter.

Setting New Year's resolutions is believed to go as far back as Babylonian times. It's said that Julius Caesar started the tradition of making resolutions on January 1 as a way to honor the Roman mythical god Janus, whose two faces allowed him to look back into the past year and forward to the new year. Romans mostly made morality-based resolutions, such as seeking forgiveness from their enemies.

With every new year comes the chance to change our mindsets, eliminate negativity and choose to move forward. And many residents in Sisters are feeling that sense of adventure to start over with their resolutions and goals for 2015.

Whitney Hanson, manager for 281 West: "My New Year hope is that my fiancé and I will be able to buy a home by the end of the year."

Julia Rickards, Clearwater Gallery owner: "Last night at the dinner table, we all decided to focus on one word all year. Mine is balance and Dan's (Rickards) word is order. On a personal note I would like to finish reading books I start, and as for Dan, he would like to visit five National Parks!"

Heather Johnson, Sisters High School health teacher: "Let us care and connect with all of humanity and nature. Let us accept, respect, and appreciate the unique diversity of every being and every belief."

Jan McGowan, executive officer on Circle of Friends board: "I am going to take a walk every day, to get ready for my six-week hike on the coast this summer. And I am going to clean out a drawer every day for the month of January."

Kathryn Godsiff, president of Rotary Club of Sisters: "Every year I recycle the same resolution; to write a memoir of my years in New Zealand, managing sheep and cattle farms with my husband, and raising three sons. I'll be going there on my own in March to visit (one of our sons is there and he and his wife just had a baby on Christmas!) It'll be my first solo trip back and might just be a good time to reflect."

John Creason, Outlaw Aviation Flight Instructor: In the spirit of southern New Year's traditions, "I ate black eyed peas on New Year's Day, which are supposed to bring good luck. So, I'm hoping that holds true in business ventures and personal development."

Tracy Foteff, Barefoot in Sisters owner: "I want to hike the PCT Oregon sections. Give more, spend less, and spend more time with my family. Be a better friend and lose weight."

David Miller, RE/MAX Revolution broker: "Love big, pray hard, and to live free!"

Vickie Herring, livestock manager: "Worry less, ride more!"

Duncan Campbell, Circle of Friends founder: "To be able to serve more children with mentors, or friends."

Marsha Marr, owner of Miss Sew it all: "On New Year's Day, I was walking my daily walk and as I approached the crosswalk, a family with a young girl, about 5 years old, were also approaching. The little girl smiled very sheepishly up at me and I gave her my big smile. When she realized that I was really smiling at her, her eyes lit up and she gave me the biggest smile back. A smile can really light someone up. So this year I resolve to smile more! As Connie Stevens said; "Nothing you wear is more important than your smile.'"