By Marty Coffin Evans
Welcome to 2026 and all the new beginnings! With 365 days to fill, how will they be spent? Is this the year to move from waiting to action? Is this the year to reconnect with friends and/or family members, especially those not seen recently?
Perhaps this is the year to stop waiting for what seems to be “the right time” whatever that might be. We expect to wait for some things of our choosing while others are out of our control.
Happy New Year
Occasionally decisions need to be made whether to repair, remodel or buy new. Such might be the case with vehicles and houses. Waiting might be sensible depending on vehicle safety or the housing market.
Some may hold off or wait to travel. While saving money for such an adventure becomes financially a good idea, would future health challenges preclude travel? Perhaps one family member or traveling companion could make the trip; another might not be so able. What about visiting family members or friends elsewhere? Why not book now?
What about saving those special dishes or glasses for a special occasion? If that special occasion doesn’t arrive in a timely manner, those beautiful cherished items might remain dusty or tarnished. What happens if something breaks, becomes mangled in the disposal or tossed out by mistake? There’s always the possibility of replacement or setting the table in a differently.
Some might think waiting for more time to volunteer, take up a new hobby or sport would make sense. It might but, why not venture out now? What about taking a class to learn a new skill?
Volunteer opportunities abound in most areas. Sampling a few or gravitating to a potential area of interest enables volunteers to find just the right niche. Is being part of a service project something of interest?
Does helping others locally appeal? Many opportunities exist from working in a local food bank to reading to homebound adults. Some schools collaborate with area service clubs in journaling projects.
If older students present more interest, collaborations exist between college students and area seniors. Professors connect the two thus providing an intergenerational learning opportunity.
English language learners benefit from volunteers who help them with this acquisition. Sharing their different culture while helping another navigate our systems becomes a great gift in assimilation.
Tangible waiting happens in saving a new clothing item. Save it for a special occasion might be the thinking. What happens if that occasion never arrives, it no longer fits or the event is cancelled? Who enjoys it then?
Waiting for medical or dental visits may be more costly if we wait too long. Make that appointment and enjoy more comfortable health.
With the different sporting events, festivals and celebrations in the area, it’s possible to miss out by not getting tickets soon enough. Make a commitment, buy tickets and avoid disappointment later.
Embrace this New Year with all its surprises and challenges! Don’t wait to make it happen!