Rick Patrick
Columnist
Well how about that. Here we are about to replace the calendars on the wall already. It seems like only a month ago that I flipped the calendar to another month. Somehow this first day of a new year makes us think about how we can make this year better. I am all for making improvements any time we can accomplish that feat.
I have always thought this whole notion of “New Year’s resolutions” was interesting. So many people vow to do something different “in the new year.” Often that is something positive that will make our lives better. That can be losing weight, being more frugal with money, or any number of self-improvement goals. I have been hit with the thought of “why wait for another year to begin?” It seems it would be even better to go ahead and embark on a journey of self-improvement now, rather than waiting for some magical day on a calendar.
I have often undertaken what could be considered resolutions for a new year. In my younger days, I would often make a vow to myself that I would make an effort to be more studious and improve my academic habits. Like many resolutions, those efforts rarely lasted very long. Eventually, I made my mind up that fundamental improvements have little to do with a date on the calendar. It simply takes a firm commitment to make that change, now. Perhaps with small steps, but the fundamental change should begin right away. If you have a desire to lose weight, stop eating the Snickers bars today. If you have a desire to save more money, put a deposit in the bank today. My biggest resolution has always been to stop procrastinating, one of these days.
No matter what 2026 may have in store, I hope the new year brings you much happiness. May 2026 be your best year ever, here on the Sunny Side.