Resolving, and resolving not to resolve: Ringing in 2026

Doing a Dry January? Signing on for a gym membership? Saving more money? There is so much to say about New Year’s resolutions. We started talking about them earlier in this issue when we focused on the healthy recipes most of us resolution-makers will be looking for. (See page 22. Also, turn to that story for some interesting facts about how many and which of us are likely to make resolutions, and what those resolutions are likely to address.)

What kinds of resolutions are Buzz readers making?

“Balance and flexibility,” is what Dena Prasher says she will be striving for. “As a runner, balance and flexibility exercises are not especially appealing to me,” she says. “They even seem a little boring in terms of exercise? But as a 50-ahem-something woman, I realize I’m going to continue to lose both balance and flexibility if I don’t do something about it! And I think each is essential to a longer, healthier, and more active lifestyle, one that I don’t want to give up until I have to.

“But as I thought about those two related goals, I realized the concepts of balance and flexibility were essential in other ways too. So, I’m hoping they will become a kind of mantra that plays on a loop in the background of my brain as I make decisions and determine how to spend my focus, time, and energy.”

Realtor Lee Fortney says she will be focusing on the same resolutions she focuses on every year: “Exercising more and eating healthy. Working smarter and spending more quality time with family and friends. Growing closer in my relationship with God.”

Choosing one small, next step toward a goal is what licensed clinical social worker Kate Lykes is striving for. “If I ask myself to make a grand, abrupt change, my willpower will go take a Dry January and come back to help when I settle down a little bit.”

Elizabeth Karkowsky, who is an incredible singer and entertainer, is an empty-nester for the first time this year. Her resolution? “Stay in the present moment!” she says. 

Similarly, Nancy Beck has resolved to: “Let go of what was, enjoy what is, and have faith in what will be.” Her husband David quips that his resolution is: “Try to stay alive.”

Artist Kathryn Rabinow, whose photography work can be seen across the country, shares several resolutions which may inspire us all: “To look for beauty in all things – large and small – from sunrises over the cityscape of Downtown Houston to the amazing iridescent colors of a small garden beetle. To vote in all elections no matter if the contests are not the ‘big’ national or state elections. To financially support some of the excellent nonprofits in Houston – those that are so important to the lives of children – such as Children’s Museum Houston. To visit and show appreciation to those institutions that are totally free and open to the public and provide education and moments of calm and beauty – such as The Menil Collection and The Jung Center.”

Deanna Sheaffer, the director of business development at the nonprofit Families Empowered, is looking forward to a 2026 of “good vibes only and a renewed commitment to love, presence, and gratitude.” This past year, she says, “began with my husband’s cancer diagnosis and was soon followed by the sudden loss of my mom to a ruptured brain aneurysm. We are finally ending on a more hopeful note: my husband’s cancer is now in remission,” she says. “We could not have made it through this year without the unwavering support of our family and friends, whose strength and kindnesses carried us in ways we will never forget. My New Year’s resolution for 2026 is simple but deeply intentional: to practice gratitude every day, to tell the people I love how much they mean to me as often as I can, and to treat every conversation as if it might be our last, because one day it will be, and I want those around me to know how much I adore and appreciate them.”

Clothier Anita Gaylor also says she is looking forward to a better year than last. “I hope to live every day of 2026 with gratitude in my heart and to look for joy in the small things,” she says. “Less things, more living.”

Recently retired attorney Buddy Herz says he looks forward to what’s important: “Dr. Pepper at 10, 2, and 4.”

And always with a wise perspective, Tina Pyne can inspire us all: “My resolution is not to have a resolution, just to live a good life!”

Cheers to living a good life in 2026.