January 1, 2026

2026: Stepping Forward, Gently

By Joe

I’ve never been very good at New Year’s resolutions.

They tend to be loud promises made on tired days, full of enthusiasm and thin on mercy. By the end of January, they often feel like little failures stacked neatly on a calendar page. That’s not how I want to enter a new year.

This year, I’m thinking less about resolving and more about remembering.

I want to remember to be kind—to strangers, to colleagues, to the people who frustrate me, and especially to the people I love. Kindness doesn’t mean being passive or silent, but it does mean choosing generosity over sharpness when I have the option.

I also want to work on my temper.

That’s not easy to admit. I don’t lose it constantly, but when I do, it’s usually because I’m tired, overwhelmed, or feeling unheard. I don’t want to be someone who reacts first and reflects later. I want to pause, breathe, and respond with intention. That kind of change doesn’t happen overnight—but it does happen, moment by moment.

And yes, I want to keep moving forward with my health.

Not as punishment. Not as a resolution that demands perfection. But as an ongoing commitment to my body and my mental well-being. I’ve already made real progress, and I want to continue—not because I “should,” but because I feel better when I do. Stronger. Clearer. More at home in myself.

I’m not promising I’ll work out every day.

I’m not promising there won’t be setbacks.

I am promising to keep showing up.

Scripture says, “The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day” (Proverbs 4:18). Dawn doesn’t rush. It doesn’t apologize for being gradual. It simply keeps coming.

That’s how I want to move into this year—not with grand declarations, but with small, steady steps. Choosing kindness when I can. Choosing calm when I remember. Choosing health as an act of care, not control.

A new year doesn’t require a new version of me.

It just invites me to keep becoming—one ordinary, honest day at a time.

And that feels not only attainable, but hopeful.

🍾Happy New Year!🥂

About Joe

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I began my life in the South and for five years lived as a closeted teacher, but am now making a new life for myself as an oral historian in New England. I think my life will work out the way it was always meant to be. That doesn't mean there won't be ups and downs; that's all part of life. It means I just have to be patient. I feel like October 7, 2015 is my new birthday. It's a beginning filled with great hope. It's a second chance to live my life…not anyone else's. My profile picture is "David and Me," 2001 painting by artist Steve Walker. It happens to be one of my favorite modern gay art pieces. View all posts by Joe
This entry was posted on Thursday, January 1st, 2026 at 6:00 am and posted in Miscellaneous. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

3 responses to “2026: Stepping Forward, Gently”

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