New Year’s Resolutions- 2026

“What is truly new?

Snow melting on a hillside,

Not yet first flowers.”

John Krysko, Otis, 1/13/26, “A New Year’s Haiku”

What lessons from Nature can support us as we close out the pages of a Year now written and open to New Possibilities?

Traditionally, in the West, it is a Time for Resolutions. Most often they include the (now) tired promises of hitting the gym, laying off of bad food and drinks, or determining it will be a more successful time in our careers. Some will strongly commit to being a better person, perhaps making amends in old relationships, or vowing to review old patterns of behavior. Getting organized and focusing on finances are in the top Ten as well. What about you?

All of the above have laudable components, but, depending upon the focus, feasibility ,and one’s feistiness, most are gone by Spring. Studies indicate that up to 80-90% fail by mid-February, with 60-70% giving up by the three-month mark.

Why so quickly, and what can improve one’s success rate?

• Unrealistic goals: People aim too high, too fast, instead of taking smaller, more achievable steps.
• Lack of focus or specificity: These fail because they are too broad and hard to track (e.g. I will be a better person, or I will be more organized).
• Motivation Wanes: Enthusiasm fades as Reality sets in.

Steps to improve success rates include setting realistic goals, with greater specificity, as well as finding ways to keep the fires of enthusiasm burning.

Perhaps the greatest aid in this endeavor is: “Know thyself”. These words were inscribed on the Temple of Apollo in the ancient Greek precinct of Delphi. These words had a double-edged meaning. One was to recognize that we, as mortals, need to remember that we have limits, and are not gods. The second, and more traditional meaning is that if we are to approach higher studies we must also look inside and come to know our Nature, our qualities. These words of both caution, and injunction for self-reflection are equally true 2,700 years later.

One of the best ways to explore one’s inner nature is to venture outside to Mother Nature. She is the perfect mirror. Two people walking in the same forest, at the same time can have vastly different experiences. The delta is not the woods, but the people. If we can embrace this basic tenet, then we can use the Great Outdoors as our Teacher, our Muse, our Divine Therapist.

One of the achievable, and specific Goals that we can set for 2026 is to spend quality time outside. If counting 10,000 steps is part of your personality profile, go for it. If not, commit to periods of “Forest Bathing”. Look it up if this is an unfamiliar term. There are teaches and programs, or you can opt, with a little research, for a self- guided version. Take notes in a Separate Journal.

This is a glorious time of Year to undertake a renewed relationship with Nature. The trees are bare of their color (with their distraction). The skeletal outlines allow us to see “through” the trees…to the hillsides, the sky, the frozen lakes. We are in a limnal time- a thresholding period between experiences. We are not in the fullness of color and “Life”, all seems quieter, more still, but yet…A few hours in the cold may awaken the sensibility that Nature is just waiting…as are we.

In this Time, between times, what are the possibilities? Perhaps limitless, but at least an opportunity of “Possibilities”. This era of quietude reminds me of my days at college, where, having looked at the choices for classes, so much seemed Possible. Of course, as I found, there was often, quickly, that realization, that “Oh,” not so much had really changed at all. But I never lost that sense of wonder, of adventure, of choices leading to new and better experiences. Early in 2026 we have that same Opportunity.

So, first steps first. Take a step…outside. B-R-E-A-T-H-E. Deeply. What does that feel like? Write it down. Keep track. See if you can see and feel more each time you re-emerge in Her Queendom. Note the impact of deep breathing. Practice stillness when you stop walking and just listen…if you hear nothing, that is good as well.

Next phase is developing a more personal relationship with Nature. Pick a tree, a lake, a stream, a vantage point. Make it your own outdoor altar, your own sanctuary. It is likely you have spent a fair amount of your life in picking a home and decorating it in order to have a Place of safety, security, beauty  and wholeness. Why not take the same care and attention in your choosing your outdoor “Retreat”. The advantage is that there is no mortgage, colors to choose or furniture to purchase.

Finally, Give Thanks. The Earth is Given. As we honor, respect and enjoy what is Freely Given, we can more truly come to know ourselves, and we will have achieved, successfully, a most reachable New Year’s Resolution.