It’s the week between Christmas and New Years. Inbound email at work has ground to a halt and most folks have checked out. Good on ya, if that’s you. If you’re still slogging away, just know that work will still be there next week.

Try to find time for a gentle walk without counting steps, some hot tea, and one of those naps on the couch where you may not fall completely asleep but you’re definitely in sleep’s waiting room. Sounds fade into the background, your arm twitches, maybe there’s a bit of drool. Maybe you snap yourself out of it with one strong snore and blame it on someone else in the room.

I’ve got some stories that are ready to publish in January. In the meantime, here’s what’s on my mind this week.

Do you set resolutions?

I’ve been on both sides of the discussion. In my twenties I was an asshole about the topic.

“New Years Resolutions? Bullshit. If something is worth changing, why not start now,” I would have said.

I lacked the experience to understand that a fresh calendar offers an opportunity to begin again. It’s why most people start a diet on a Monday. There’s comfort to be found in the structure of the days and the months.

At other times in life, I’d use New Years as another excuse to rake myself over the coals. I’d want to get to “the right” number on the scale or save some nominal amount of money by a certain date. I’d always miss the target which provided fresh ammo for The Critic. That prick has been shouting for my attention for as long as I can remember.

Today, I’m trying to be more thoughtful around a year in review and a look forward. More gentle. I’ve had a tough couple of years and who hasn’t? Even if covid didn’t show up, this adult shit is harder than advertised. I can remember thinking I was stressed out in college. I’d gladly trade my college stress for today’s meat grinder.

With all of that in mind, my 2022 resolution is:

“I might eat less dessert.”

Happy New Year. Hit reply if you have any thoughts to share. I’m happy to be writing again and grateful to have a few people checking out my work each week.