Short story: A new year's resolution refreshes our lifeview
By emptychair
@innertalks (23460)
Australia
December 29, 2025 9:02pm CST
The old Zen master had been asked, if being old like he was, whether he would still make any new year's resolutions, in the new year, this coming year.
The old Zen master smiled widely, as he replied:
"Well to grow more aware, and to improve one's position in life, are worthy goals to have at any time, in the year, but as a new year begins, to make a New Year's Resolution, allows one to freshen their outlook on life once again."
Come the New year, and this old Zen master died, but he had left a note to his students, which said:
"We never know when our time will be up, but take each day as a new beginning, and let the New year ethos of freshness, goad you awake each, and every, day, too."
"And remember too, love is to Zen, what Zen is to love, when you live in the wisdom of truth. Live each new day truthfully, and fill it with your love."
Photo Credit: The photo used in this article was sourced from the free media site, pixabay.com
The old Zen master liked looking into a candle. It reminded him to help to light up the world for others too, as much as he could each day.
7 people like this
4 responses
@Nakitakona (58990)
• Philippines
30 Dec
It's but natural to have a new year's for everyone comes the new year. I do agree with Zen master that everyday unfolds a new beginnings.
3 people like this
@innertalks (23460)
• Australia
30 Dec
Yes, we should not just wait for a new year to make changes to our life.
We should try to change, grow, and improve ourselves every day of our lives too. Yes, each day is a new beginning, not just the New Year.
@Nakitakona (58990)
• Philippines
30 Dec
@innertalks That's right. We want improve ourselves sp everyday is the right time and opportunity to do it.
2 people like this
@RevivedWarrior (3829)
• India
30 Dec
It gently reminds us that wisdom does not retire with age, nor does the need for renewal ever fade. It is a very powerful message. The Zen master’s smile carries the quiet truth that awareness and growth are lifelong practices. His words show that resolutions are less about the calendar and more about intention. By reframing each day as a new beginning, he dissolves the fear of time running out. The note he leaves behind feels like a final teaching, simple yet profound. It urges us to wake up daily with freshness, not habit or regret. His reflection on love and Zen suggests that truth lived with compassion is the highest practice. The image of the candle speaks softly of service, warmth, and shared light. So many lessons in one go. In the end, the master teaches that a meaningful life is one that illuminates others, one day at a time. Thanks for sharing!
3 people like this
@innertalks (23460)
• Australia
30 Dec
Thanks for your appreciative words for my story here. I hope others can get as much out of it as you did here.
Yes, injecting freshness of spirit into each new day as it comes, makes for a refreshing life, of service to life, and to others too, from this approach. The Zen master allows love to refresh him anew too, as only love can do.
@innertalks (23460)
• Australia
30 Dec
Yes, as we get older, we should try to learn from the past, and so increase our wisdom in living from truth, and move away from untruth, or lies.
Living wisely from truth is always the best way to live, as long as we are loving, and compassionate, at the same time too.
@AliCanary (3534)
•
30 Dec
Sometimes I make resolutions. I agree that New Year's is a good time to take stock of everything and to set goals and challenges.
2 people like this
@innertalks (23460)
• Australia
30 Dec
Yes, it is a good time to see if there is anything in our life that we might change, or improve, as otherwise, we sometimes just go along for the ride, even if we are really on the wrong ride, so to speak.
2 people like this
