As a terminally diagnosed ALS patient unlikely to see the end of 2026, I offer the following New Year’s resolutions from the wisdom and experience of my 64 years of life.
First, lose weight. Whatever is weighing you down — envy, jealousy, grudges, past hurts, guilt — lose it! Shed the negativity and resolve to practice gratitude, mercy, joy and most importantly, forgiveness. Forgive yourself, and forgive others. Remember that your past does not define your future.
Second, quit smoking. Stop inhaling the poisonous rhetoric of hatred, prejudice, nationalism, gender and sexual identity discrimination. Resolve to see everyone you encounter as a brother or a sister worthy of dignity, respect and understanding.
Third, stop drinking. Refuse to imbibe in the mind-numbing spirits of division being offered by politicians and preachers who prefer us drunk on partisanship and doctrine, rather than inebriated with human kindness. Resolve to treat all people as you would like to be treated. Drink in the joy of human diversity, creativity and imagination!
Finally, watch your spending habits. Curb the time you spend chasing material and selfish pursuits. Resolve to spend your time enjoying the presence of loved ones. Budget time for lonely relatives or estranged friends. A year from now, when you look back on 2026, rejoice that you have wisely invested in kindness, forgiveness, friendship, hospitality and gratitude!
Happy New Year, everyone.
Keith G. Kondrich
Swisshelm Park
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