A New Year Resolution

12/30/2025

Happy New Year, blog friends!

A confession...I've never created a list of resolutions. But, a few days ago, I stumbled upon an article in Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper that convinced me to start my list. Her post focuses on Ron Shaich's Pre-Mortem Ritual - "a method that helps him live a life without regrets." Intriguing, right?

The method is simple: imagine your final hours and think about what you truly value or hold dear. Then, with those images in mind, travel back in time and consider how you will foster those values concretely in your daily life. It is a brilliant approach, and I'm a convert. 😊

I'm not a partyer, though I've been to several New Year's events. In the past, I've decided to exercise more, pray more, write more... whatever more. But I've never written down my goals nor taken them seriously. Shaich's approach is thought-provoking and has captured my attention. If you decide to read the article, I hope you'll let me know what you think.

Now for a poem...

This week, Melissa offers a list of resolutions for the Tanka Tuesday New Year's prompt. I've chosen this resolution: write down one thing you're grateful for every night.

My gratitude list is long, and it includes you. My poem ~

photo from Canva

Have a wonderful week, and may blessings abound for all of us!

28 Comments

Kim of Glover Gardens link

12/30/2025 15:54:06

You have inspired me with the story about the Maria Shriver approach - very cool! And the wonderful everyday treasures that you highlight in your poem are indeed the things that truly matter and transform our time here.

Gwen M. Plano

12/30/2025 17:50:29

Thanks so much for the kind words, Kim. I'm all smiles. 😊

Yvette M. Calleiro link

12/30/2025 17:26:51

I love your poem, Gwen! I am also starting a gratitude journal this year.

Yvette M Calleiro :-)
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com

Gwen M. Plano

12/30/2025 17:51:26

Wonderful, Yvette. Now you've inspired me to do the same. 😊

willow link

12/30/2025 22:37:26

This is such an inspiration... I do love your poem too.
I do not make resolutions at New Year's... I tend to make them each night... It's taken me a long time to realise that... I strive to improve...I don't always succeed but I keep trying ,💜

Gwen M. Plano

12/31/2025 04:42:59

Thank you, Willow, for sharing this. Similar to you, I review the day just before sleep and send my prayers. ❤️

Dan Antion link

12/31/2025 04:17:44

I love your poem, and your plans for the new year, Gwen. I am not a partier, and I'm always thinking about what could be done. I wish you all the best as you explore your goals - I hope you achieve many.

Gwen M. Plano

12/31/2025 06:57:28

Thanks so much, Dan, and Happy New Year to you and yours. 😊

John W. Howell link

12/31/2025 06:51:09

The goal-setting method you describe is impressive. I'm not one for goal-setting lists either, but I do affirm that taking an end view and then making sure that view matches activities until then is a very sound way to leave this plane with few regrets. I am now in a position to make that assessment, and I believe that when the time comes, I'll be ready. A lovely poem. Wishing you and Larry a very Happy New Year.

Gwen M. Plano

12/31/2025 07:00:38

Thank you, John, for sharing as you have. Time is precious and living consciously, as you have, is so important. Wishing you and Molly a very blessed New Year!

John W. Howell link

12/31/2025 07:27:14

I hope we can chat more this year, too.

Priscilla Bettis link

12/31/2025 07:18:58

Whoa, what a coincidence. I had never heard of Ron Shaich until last night, and here you are this morning mentioning him. I like his technique about envisioning your future then walking back to see how to get there. Wonderful poem, Gwen!

Gwen M. Plano

1/1/2026 15:15:23

That's amazing, Priscilla! It's a novel approach for sure. Thank you for your kind words. 😊

Jan Sikes

12/31/2025 08:31:55

What a lovely poem, Gwen. There is power in writing things down on paper. It's also wonderful at the end of the year to reflect back on what you wrote, then release it and let it go. I don't make resolutions but I do search for a word for the year. 2026 is going to be Courage. :) I also pull tarot cards for the year - one for each month. It doesn't matter what we do as long as we do it with intention. I wish you and Larry a very Happy New Year!

Gwen M. Plano

1/1/2026 15:16:46

Thanks so much, Jan. Courage is a great word for the year. Love it! Happy New Year to you and yours. 🌞

Eugi link

12/31/2025 10:19:41

Beautiful poem, Gwen. I don't make resolutions, and prefer to set mini-goals for myself. I keep track of my progress using the calendar on my computer. Have a bright and peace 2026, Gwen. 💖

Gwen M. Plano

1/1/2026 15:17:51

Thank you, Eugi. I hope you also have a marvelous year. Hugs to you. 🌞

Liz Gauffreau link

12/31/2025 11:29:52

Your New Year poem spoke directly to me! I hope 2026 is good to you and your family.

Gwen M. Plano

1/1/2026 15:18:49

Warms my heart to read this, Liz. Thank you. May this year be filled with blessings for you and yours! 🌞

Timothy W. Dittmer link

12/31/2025 13:42:26

Great thoughts on resolution, Gwen. Your poem is wonderful.

Gwen M. Plano

1/1/2026 15:20:02

Thank you, Tim. I hope this year is especially joy-filled for you and yours.

Thomas Wikman link

12/31/2025 15:42:35

I love your poem. Gratitude is a great way of looking at life. Maria Shriver approach seems very interesting. I wish you and your loved ones a great week as well, and a Happy New Year and a fabulous 2026.

Gwen M. Plano

1/1/2026 15:21:03

Thank you, Thomas. I wish you the same -- with much success and joy.

Freya Pickard link

1/5/2026 00:43:01

Happy New Year to you Gwen!

Gwen M. Plano

1/5/2026 07:08:44

Thank you, Freya. Happy New Year to you as well. 🌞

Paul Cannon link

1/5/2026 06:52:07

Another day now transformed - the simplicity and humility of what life really is and can be, beautiful.

Gwen M. Plano

1/5/2026 07:10:02

Thank you for the kind words, Paul. Blessings...

Melissa Lemay link

1/6/2026 13:03:13

Having awareness of common blessings and simple surprises is evidence of a gratitude practice. Happy New Year, Gwen!

A New Year Resolution

Leave a Reply.

Archives