“Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go.”
–author unknown

Well, gang, the presents are unwrapped, the returns are beginning, and Christmas is over. But, some good news: 2024 is a leap year, so you have 365 shopping days left until Christmas, and probably about 100 days until the Christmas Hallmark movies resume!

Today’s post is about New Year’s. You know what that means–it’s time to get out your pencil and paper (or go to “Notes” on your iPhone) and start that list of resolutions! Even though it’s actually just the next day in our life’s calendar, somehow, psychologically, January 1 feels like a reboot. A time to start anew with goals we’ve broken or ignored the previous calendar year. A mulligan or do-over, so to speak.

As the quote above suggests, most–well, probably all–of us didn’t live a perfect 2023. But that’s soon to be the past. The new year is a gift, and that’s why it’s called the present. So, about those resolutions?

Predictably, we’re all going to have better sleep habits, eat healthier, and exercise regularly, right? Laudable goals, but some of the easiest to break. Or are they? Let me suggest some resolutions that are equally laudable and unfortunately just as easy to break:

• Read more … not just beach novels (I love them!) but journals and newspapers. Print or online; doesn’t matter ; just read!

• Get a library card–and use it!

• Talk less and listen more. Now there’s a challenge!

• Be a serious person, but don’t take yourself too seriously.

• Be a good citizen. Despite its warts and pimples, our country is the greatest in the world, and we owe it to our good fortune to take our citizenship seriously.

• Practice generosity.

• Write a note to someone–on paper, not email or text. (Stamps are still available at the post office.)

• Add at least one new word to your vocabulary each month.

• When an email or text angers you, sit on it for an hour–or maybe a day–before you respond. What you say may last in perpetuity. Some of our young people are learning this the hard way.

• Laugh more; especially at yourself.

• Dance like no one’s watching and sing like no one’s listening.

• Love deeply.

• Cherish your family members and closest friends. When you hit a bad patch, they’ll be there for you. Trust me; I know.

• Live your faith. Someone’s watching.

Well, that’s it. Best wishes for a wonderful and healthy 2024!