New Years Rulin's

It's fairly self-evident that many colleagues involved in probation here in England and Wales are at a low ebb right now as the realities of the TR omnishambles begin to take effect. However, as we approach the eve of a brand New Year, the battle to stop TR goes on and no doubt some of us may be indulging in that tradition of pondering a few New Year resolutions.

I was quite at a loss to know what to write on this topic, so I'm extremely grateful to Mike Guilfoyle for pointing me in the direction of American folk legend Woody Guthrie and his list of 33 resolutions or 'rulin's' found penned in his journal from 1943. I think they can still speak to us all these years down the line and possibly offer some inspiration.

So, here's to wishing all readers a happy and peaceful New Year and I'll leave you with the wise words of Woody Guthrie:-

1.    Work more and better
2.    Work by a schedule
3.    Wash teeth if any
4.    Shave
5.    Take bath
6.    Eat good — fruit — vegetables — milk
7.    Drink very scant if any
8.    Write a song a day
9.    Wear clean clothes 
10.  Shine shoes
11.  Change socks
12.  Change bed clothes often
13.  Read lots good books
14.  Listen to radio a lot
15.  Learn people better
16.  Keep rancho clean
17.  Don't get lonesome
18.  Stay glad
19.  Keep hoping machine running
20.  Dream good
21.  Bank all extra money
22.  Save dough
23.  Have company but don't waste time
24.  Send Mary and kids money
25.  Play and sing good
26.  Dance better
27.  Help win war — beat Fascism
28.  Love Mama
29.  Love Papa
30.  Love Pete
31.  Love everybody
32.  Make up your mind

33.  Wake up and fight