Well, 2025 is now behind us and a new year has begun. For some, this is the beginning of many, many New Year’s resolutions. I used to make those, but not this year. It was rare that I ever started, much less finished, even a short list, never mind a long one. So, instead of feeling bad about what I didn’t do or accomplish, I decided, this year, instead of resolutions, I will make a hope list. For one thing, hope carries much less guilt for items not getting checked off. 

Since this is a new plan, I am also going to only do one a month. And I can change my list around. For example, my hope for February may get switched with my hope for September. Even that could get switched again. I feel like I have a better chance of completing my list if I give myself options that allow me to choose one that may work better now than later.

For the last several years, I have taken a granddaughter with me to shop for groceries to donate to the local food bank. We usually do this in mid-December hoping to help those in need. My list will add an additional trip sometime in the spring or early summer. In thinking of this, I now see that some of my hopes are really must-dos. That’s fine, I still have the option of changing the month.

For several years, I have wanted to write a book. I have had a lot of support from my family, but somehow, can never get past a few pages. I read and rewrite it over and over and, in frustration, put it aside. I am going to try my best to put it in a month that has little distraction. Maybe if I can get a decent amount written, I’ll finally stick with it. I think my granddaughter wants to illustrate the book before she leaves for college in five years. It’s something she’s talked about for many years. Maybe I should start with a short story that has lots of pictures! Oh well, something to keep in mind.

Another hope is to open one of the very many cookbooks I own. My three daughters are all excellent cooks. Each of them makes several dishes I wouldn’t attempt to make due to ingredients and time. They are always delicious. I have been content with my not so large repertoire of menus. I need to branch out and find main courses that will be new, delicious and unexpected additions. I’m sure that some will be “one and done,” but with all my cookbooks, several should be on my “that-was-really-good-and-fairly-easy-to-make” list of recipes to make again. 

While writing this, it occurred to me that I have a more private list that is hope and pray. This one I do on a daily basis. At night, when saying my prayers, I always bless my family members and friends by asking to keep them safe, healthy and happy. I also hope and pray that one day there will be peace on Earth and that goodness will overcome evil. 

If you make resolutions, I wish you the best in keeping them. I hope that when December 31, 2026 is here, I will feel good about my HOPE list. If not, well there’s always 2027.