I never make New Year’s resolutions which means I never have to deal with the shame and stress of inevitable failure. Sure . . . I’d love to lose ten or fifteen pounds, and I’d love to swear off Kawartha Dairy’s pralines ‘n cream ice cream for the rest of my life, but I know these things are never going to happen. The same applies to starting a conscientious exercise program, and plans to eat only healthy foods, or never to gossip again. Why set myself up for disappointment?

You see, the way I look at things, my life is pretty good as it is— cellulite, wrinkles, thinning hair, creaky joints, and all. Boomers worked hard; we made our share of mistakes, got lucky at times, and grew in character as a result. Living to enjoy retirement is our reward.

The last couple of years have been a challenge for everyone, but as Canadians, we are not at war. We have not had bombs dropped on us, nor have we been forced from our homes and country. We have enough to eat, and we have not been forced to sell our home to pay for a needed surgery. We live in a benevolent country that takes care of its fellow citizens. The same cannot be said for our neighbours to the south, so we are blessed to live in a caring country.

If I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions, then I can’t break them, and that’s a huge load off my shoulders. Instead, I celebrate each January first with a large measure of gratitude for what I’ve accomplished, and the rewards I enjoy every single day of the days I have left.

As we chalk up another year, it is a time to reflect on the journey we’ve made over the decades. There is no way I would ever want to be young again. Let’s celebrate these years as the best years of our lives and start the new year in a circle of love and gratitude. Instead of making a list of New Year’s resolutions, which will only serve to remind us of our faults and shortcomings, let’s celebrate our blessings with gratitude and kindness as we go forward into 2026. Have a happy and healthy New Year, mes très chères. Cheers!