We are taught the advent of a new year is a time to turn the page and look to the future. Some see
this as a fresh start and a time for personal reflection and goal setting. Many
cultures practice the development of New Year’s Resolutions. In some cultures,
resolutions are created in collaboration with family or community to aspire to something
that benefits the collective group. In Western culture, resolutions tend to be personal
and measurable.

Resolutions run the gamut—lose weight, quit smoking, read more, get
better sleep, exercise. Great! For those of you who have made a resolution, I am
cheering you on. I believe in you!

“New Year, new you” is an expression I have heard many times. Here’s the deal… you
are amazing just the way you are. Could we all stand to make change and be healthier
or wealthier? You bet. But the number on the scale or the balance of your checking
account is not a measure of your worth. So, for those of you who didn’t make a
resolution, that’s ok too!

And then there are those of you who met the new year with resolve to change
something but for whatever reason, by now (beginning of February) you have already “fallen off the
wagon”. Maybe it was a goal that just wasn’t feasible to begin with or perhaps just not
the right timing. Or, maybe you simply changed your mind. That is OK! It doesn’t make
you a failure. It makes you human. Americans are great at beating themselves up. All of
us are dealing with a lot and what seemed like a fantastic idea in January just didn’t
work out by February. Go easy. You’re still a good person.

I’m not trying to enable you to quit. But if you did, I challenge you to setting a new New
Year’s Resolution… and that is to love yourself more. Talk to yourself like you’d talk to
your best friend. Learn to be gentle and celebrate the little things.

Wishing you peace, love and joy in 2025.