A Resolute Sketch
Approaching the year with a decisive list of resolutions
Consistency does not come naturally to me. In fact, the only things I have committed to rigorously, I’ve had to commit to stay alive. So, naturally, New Year's Resolutions, Swearings Off, and Lent-ish things hold a deep and glittering fascination for me, even though I always, always, always fail. (One New Year I resolved to urinate more mindfully so I wouldn’t accidentally pee on my underwear—I did not last the day).
I venture to guess that, for the majority of us, consistency is a struggle. Probably, the people you know who have the strongest “will-power” or the most clad-in-iron routines have taught themselves this skill, and the pleasure of self-reliance has reinforced the habit.
In this spirit, I’m sharing a sketch of things I would like to try in 2026. Please join me if you feel called to. Or don’t.
Writing
If you’ve ever taken a writing class, asked a writer for advice, or read a book on writing, you’ve likely heard this gem: write every day. Ugh! Please! I instinctively rebel! When I was feeling blocked a few weeks ago, I asked Bob Hicok if he might share a prompt to help inspire me. He graciously replied, informing me that he’s never used prompts and has a daily practice, and thus has no need of them.
I wanted divine intervention, and he pointed me to the page. For this, I thank him (and curse him!)
All hyperbole aside, I always experience fallow periods in which I believe I’ve forgotten how to write. It’s very uncomfortable and totally natural. However, as someone who wants to build a career around writing, creative inertia is something I have to push back on.
RESOLUTION: Write for 20 minutes every day. Set a timer. For those of you who have a daily practice, this will seem trifling; for those of us who don’t, this will be a challenge.
Reading
The well must be fed. One of the more delicious ways to do this is to read. Personally, I don’t believe in pushing through a book I’m not enjoying, so if you need permission to not finish a text you’ve started, I offer mine. Feed yourself with what nourishes you. Recently, I’ve been enjoying titles from Prototype, Dorothy, Fonograf Editions, JOAN, and And Other Stories (the press, not the clothing brand).
RESOLUTION: Read at least one book and one literary journal a month. Utilize the library or your local independent bookstore. Yeehaw!
Fight Fascism
In one of many bigger picture conversations over the holidays, my very smart and very thoughtful sister introduced me to the Marxist theory of materialism (or, more accurately, “naturalism” or Marx’s “dialectical method”). A partial definition: “As individuals express their life, so they are. What they are, therefore, coincides with their production, both with what they produce and with how they produce. The nature of individuals thus depends on the material conditions determining their production."
In broad strokes, one way to apply this theory is to take anti-fascist actions that are tangible on an individual or local level. Instead of allowing existential overwhelm to paralyze me, I can mobilize. For me, this likely won’t look like martyring myself (we can’t all be Luigis) or donating money that would destabilize my ability to care for myself or my community. There are many ways to Do Your Part. Last year I fostered dogs. This year, I’m joining a local deportation defense patrol.
RESOLUTION: Join a group or cause that you care about. I’ve attached a short list of (mostly NY-based) resources but some of the most impactful groups operate off the grid. Ask around. And please keep in mind that in our current fascist state, even peaceful resistance is potentially fatal. Take good care.
Fight Capitalism
A losing battle? Maybe so. A worthwhile effort? Always. Online shopping? Bad for our brains and our planet.
RESOLUTION: Give up online shopping for a month and see how it feels to have to put more effort and thought into what I purchase. Additionally, here is a list of companies, with an impact rating, that directly support Israel’s government that I will be boycotting.
BONUS RESOLUTION: Mend one thing you own once a week to get more life out of what you already have. Learn to darn a sock! Find a replacement part for an appliance instead of trashing it! Accidentally superglue your fingers together! (This ethos has manifested in the past couple of years as a Slow Fashion movement. I’ve added some resources for you to peruse.)
- Mending Is The Next Radical & Accessible Movement In Sustainable Fashion
- Stitch It, Don't Ditch It: Resisting Fast Fashion Through Visible Mending
- what is Street Stitching
- Slow Fashion Movement
Fight Loneliness
Be kind. It’s the sexiest quality going. Reach out to a friend who’s struggling. Sweep your stoop. Put down your phone and smile at someone.
RESOLUTION: Lead with kindness.
I think that’s plenty. To review, I plan to be writing, reading, fucking ICE, darning socks, and smiling like a lunatic. It’s really not that different from 2025. I hope you join me in some of these small actions, or are inspired to sketch your own gentle to-do list. And yes, January is already well underway, but time is a construct, and the Gregorian calendar is totally arbitrary. If a start date helps you to feel accountable, the Lunar New Year begins on February 17 (insert horse emoji).
So start whenever you’d like; there’s never a bad time to bring more joy and mindfulness to your life.
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