In New Years past, I used to come up with a word or two to be my focus for the year. I never wrote it down or told it to anyone. One year it was “be present.” One, it was “let it go.” One year it was “really listen.”

I think the typical plan is to make a list of things you hope to accomplish. Exercise more. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Walk every day. Read more. Lose ten pounds.

Unfortunately, these resolutions are often stated in the negative: Don’t eat fats. Don’t eat sugar. Don’t drink caffeine. Don’t talk about your aches and pains. Don’t gossip. Don’t watch Hallmark movies.

In recent years, my resolutions have taken a turn: Don’t eat anything that’s not delicious. Don’t spend time with people who bore you. Don’t remember things that are better forgotten. Don’t finish a book if it doesn’t engage you in twenty pages. Do not watch cable news.

Whatever you decide, whether to make New Year’s resolutions or not, my advice is to grab a bit of joy anywhere you can find it. Pet a dog. Feed the birds. Read a good book. Grow flowers. Smile at people who don’t smile back. Eat something delicious every day.

2024 has 366 days. Seize each one.