As many of us know, we start the New Year with a New Year’s resolution.

By George! This year we are going to accomplish that resolution-come heck or high water! That will make the coming year different from past years, right? We will do it!

However, the big question is what will be that thing that is going to begin in January — that resolution? Will it be easy so we can continue it all year or…? We know it will take a lot of personal resolve and personal firmness, but this year we are going to do it. Darn right!

Well, for me, I’ll pick from this list…

Let’s try our best to build community. If there’s one thing we can all benefit from, it’s to come together. Be steadfast to settle differences in a common sense manner, and tune out all the hate and nastiness that is flowing around us. Let’s resolve to be the peacemaker — whether it’s within our family, our neighborhood or our country.

Along with that thought, let’s build hope. I strongly recommend Jane Goodall’s book “The Book of Hope” to assist us in this building of hope. Without hope, we humans will certainly destroy decency, nature and our earth. Along with hope, there also needs to be action. Let us resolve to be an active beacon of hope for everyone.

That means we will always reach out a helping hand. No matter your age, at one time or another, everyone needs a helping hand. Let us resolve to be that hand.

Let us resolve to build friendships. It’s through these types of personal bonds, that we will all flourish. A simple gesture like holding a door open for someone may not build a friendship, but it does show respect. From respect will come friendship, and, once again, a bonding moment for us. Let us be friends.

If you are into tasting beverages, resolve to discover a new and untasted bottle of a liquid. There is an abundance of wines, beers and spirits from which to choose. Resolve to taste something new this coming year. Do it with a friend and build that friendship.

Let us resolve to not think we have to possess the answer for every question. There are times when silence is golden. Listen, learn, and mull over what is being talked about. Then, based on a sense of building community, gently join the conversation.

Let’s resolve to have fun! Maybe that means more physical activity, joining a book club, or living a healthy fun life by inviting others into our sphere. Anything you do, have some fun! Life is too darn short not to laugh a lot.

Finally, let us resolve to mirror and offer love. It is a basic building block of human emotions. Be kind and some sort of love will follow.

May your New Year resolution be emotionally and physically fulfilling for you.

As always, eat and drink in moderation, but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!