Happy (?) New Year!

Counting down to 2026

Well, it's that time of year again, folks. Time to reflect on the past and plan for the future. Some people make resolutions; some people are just glad to have made it this far. To be honest, I fall in to the latter category this year.

For many people, myself included, 2025 was extremely difficult and at times I honestly wasn't sure we'd make it. The political situation in the US has been overwhelming, exhausting, infuriating, and utterly depressing. And that, coupled with a few not-so-awesome personal surprises, would ordinarily lead me to gleefully put 2025 in the rearview mirror. However, I don't see any way to improve those overbearing situations in 2026 and I've been struggling with a way to move forward.

2026 is looking to be another year filled with existential changes and challenges to the US and its democracy. Thinking about all that, without the ability to make a meaningful difference, is something which is extremely difficult for me. There's so much I don't understand about people who are complacent, or not so angry that they want to scream all the time. It is not ok with me to just sit back and watch this country fall apart (be ripped apart, really). I don't understand the hope some people have that we'll ride though this storm and survive. I guess that hope helps propel them forward, but I find it exhausting even to listen to, if I'm being honest. (I am a monumental pessimist, in case that needs to be said.)

So here's what I've come up with, and I hope it helps others contend with what may well be another very heavy year. Concentrate (at times obsessively) on things and people that make you happy. I mean REALLY happy -- the people and things you think back on with a smile on your face (or better yet, a private giggle). I know that when I am with my favorite people and/or doing my favorite things, I am able to ignore the crap out there, at least temporarily. For those who know me, you know that this put-your-head-in-the-sand approach is anathema to pretty much everything I believe in. I've always been a strong proponent of deal with crap now so it won't bite you in the ass later. And, while I still believe that is a great credo when it comes to to-do lists, work, tasks, and the like, I also feel like taking strategic breaks from the reality of today's world is necessary in order to recharge and move forward. As such, I fully intend to spend this next week diving deep into quality time with some of my favorite people, reading some books, and doing whatever I can to try to find some laughter and light as we enter this new year (bowling may be involved).  Self-care needs to come first.

Wishing you all strength, health, and happiness (to the extent possible) in 2026. xoxo