EDDY'S PAGE
by Eddy Robey M.A.

It's January, the month when every other article and advertisement is about New Year's resolutions. Most publications presume that these resolutions are about weight loss, being thrifty, and the reduction of stress in daily life. The result of being successful in keeping these resolutions is supposed to be a life which has one smiling more often than not.

Last month, the advertisements and articles were about having a great time during holiday parties, culminating in New Year's Eve. It was undoubtedly the hope of editors and ad managers that readers would be inspired to buy enough of whatever was pictured to ensure both glee and glamour.

The lesson which I learned from those magazine pieces: was that being very thin, wearing expensive goods, and spending a lot pretty much guarantees misery. How do I know this? Take a look at the photos in any of last month's upscale fashion mags. Do you see anyone who looks happy? Models, both male and female, have facial expressions which vary from indifferent to grim.

In contrast were the pictures in pieces which were about food, plus size clothing or affordable merchandise. People in food features have grins which grow wider in proportion to the number of calories to be consumed. Did you ever see a glum face in an ice cream ad? My notions were further borne out by looking at catalogues and ads from merchants such as Silhouette and Target. Those folks buying larger clothing and less expensive gifts are beaming.

All this brings me back to thinking about those popular resolutions, which are good things if you set out to handle them with moderation. Taking off a few pounds is best done with gentle, regular exercise such as walking to shul. (Hey, you knew I'd say that) Enjoy the goodies which loving hands prepare for you, just skip the second helpings. Remember that people who love you don't desire expensive presents, and although they don't want to see you in rags, would never think about whether your clothes have designer labels.

Both of the above hints will certainly lessen tension, and up the gladness quotient in your life. Perhaps the most important thing to do is keep in mind that those thin, fancy folks, surrounded with luxury are not necessarily smiling. Hum a little tune to yourself, "Love can come to everyone, the best things in life are free."