Ring in the New Year Without the Resolutions

I am not a huge fan of New Year’s Resolutions, because I believe it sets the stage for high expectations, unrealistic results, and ultimately the feeling of failure. What a terrible way to start a new year! I have a better idea.

Many years ago, I heard that what you do on New Year’s Day is what you will do for the rest of the year. I’m not sure if that is true or just a superstition, but isn’t it interesting that our actions on New Year’s Day might set the tone for the rest of the year?

It’s an interesting concept, and it made me start thinking. What if, instead of making lofty (and often unrealistic) New Year’s Resolutions, why not flip the script, and focus on the present day, the first day of another New Year, and set the scene for the best year ever?

This New Year’s Day was one of the best I’ve ever had. It started with a hair appointment first thing in the morning. Yes, my hairdresser worked on New Year’s Day. Even better, she had the shop all to herself, because nobody else wanted to work on a holiday. Why would they?

This meant that I had her all to myself (score!), and we had some fascinating conversations and girl time with no one else listening to our deep, dark secrets. Considering that we had just met shortly after I moved to a small town in Missouri a few months earlier, there certainly were a lot of secrets to share.

Later that morning, I had a long, heartfelt phone call with a dear old friend of mine in Colorado. We met in 2016 at a book event celebrating local Colorado independent authors, made an immediate connection, became friends, and enjoyed long, meaningful conversations over the years. We talked for almost 2 full hours, leaving me feeling warm, fuzzy, and grateful for his friendship.

Afterwards, my husband and I went on a long, cold walk exploring some of the sites in the historic small Missouri town we moved to just 3 months ago. I hate the cold, but for some reason, it didn’t bother me. Instead of it seeping through my clothes and into my bones, the cold, damp air felt refreshing and soothing. I wondered why?

Once we got home and settled in for the evening, an indescribable feeling of warmth and contentment came over me. Who needs New Year’s Resolutions when you can have that instead? I suppose that it is a gentle reminder to focus on the simple things in life rather than trying to chase after resolutions that could set you up for failure.

I don’t know about you, but I’m spending the start of 2026 by looking for the small things, the ones that bring peace, joy, and happiness, not only on New Year’s, but all year long. Who’s with me?

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!