resolve - verb - to settle or find a solution to (Oxford Languages)
resolution - noun - a firm decision to do or not to do something (Oxford Languages)
Oddly enough, although I as a blogger have celebrated five, successive new years since conceiving this pastime, it seems as though I have not walked head-on wholeheartedly into the topic of New Year's resolutions until now.
To tell you the truth, New Year's Eve came and went sans my even contemplating any kind of resolution. And I would have gone on my merry way into 2026, completely free from the concept if it had not been for a friend of mine, a rather famous fine artist in her own right, who called me New Year's Day and asked, "Do you have any New Year's resolutions?" Obviously, I had to come up with something, so I went with the first thing that came into my head and replied, "Gratitude. Just to be more thankful than usual." She approved and then revealed that she intended to minimize expectations, which is always smart, but hard to do. I wish her much luck.
After our conversation had concluded, and I abandoned my phone to its charger in the kitchen, I wondered how many out there have similar thoughts as to how they will behave in 2026. According to Google, the most common resolutions still being made include losing weight, eating healthier, exercising, being more fiscally responsible, taking up a new hobby other than board ("bored") games, card games, and pickle ball, or spending more time with loved ones.
On the other hand, what if some persons, like me, were hoping to get away with ignoring the formerly indispensable tradition at this time of year. If that is the case, why the apathy? Is it because people are being more Zen and staying in the moment more, or is it because the goings on globally are so unpredictable that New Year's resolutions are impossible to make given the capricious climate? Or is it that contemporary humans are more self-aware and realize that whatever they promise themselves they'll do, they will most likely not do. Perhaps people find "firm" decisions to do or not to do to be on the flabby side? Perhaps the real resolution is to resolve to skip making them altogether? Perhaps that is a safe, honest alternative?
I don't know. I suppose an unspoken resolution, a simple one, kind of like the one I came up within a few seconds, may not be a bad idea. No one needs to announce intentions publicly, just zero in on one self improvement and stick with it. Keep it to yourself, but keep it close in mind. If you are out of original ideas, choose from the aforementioned, but please come up with unique hobbies.
Happy New Year and thanks to all of you who have been a fan of Word to Words or who have dropped in from outer cyber space out of curiosity. (So far, I'm keeping my 2026 resolution. I am thanking everybody!)
#NewYear, #resolutions, #blog, #blogger, #personal essay
