New Year’s Resolutions
Week of December 28, 2025 – January 3, 2026
by Kaylen Iorio, Environmental Educator
During last week’s Winter Solstice Hike at Baltimore Woods, one participant expressed how year after year this hike helps them reset and remember what’s really important during the holiday season and I couldn’t agree more. It feels like we are often frantic this time of year, trying to find the perfect gifts or plan the perfect party. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the holiday frenzy and forget what this time of year means to you. This solstice hike encourages participants to take a breath, unwind, and reconnect with what is most important to them.
New Year’s day is quickly approaching and I’m sure we’ll all get asked what our resolutions are for the year ahead. I like to reflect on the past year: What were things that I did that brought you joy and fulfillment? What were things I wish I did more of, or things I planned to do but never got around to? New Year’s resolutions are for making space for things in our lives that make us feel happy, loved, and fulfilled.
As someone who makes an endless list of resolutions (not only in January but throughout the year) and often fails to adhere to them, I’ve thought of some ways to make it fun to stick to your resolutions. I know I’m not the only one who makes all these grand plans and then loses momentum as soon as I start, so let’s keep the momentum going together!
What I started with was a list of all the things I did in 2025 that brought me joy (whether I did them once or many times). Then I can elaborate on this list and dedicate days for each of the activities I’d like to try. If schedules don’t work for you try a bingo board! A New Year’s bingo board is such a fun way to try new things or accomplish something meaningful! Remember to pat yourself on the back and give yourself a complement when you accomplish something.
Resolutions can be silly too! Maybe you dedicate a week to trying out a new hairstyle each day or to trying every type of pasta out there.
Another way to make resolutions feel more “doable” is by getting together with friends and family for a night of inspiring each other and planning resolutions together. Everything seems easier when you have a support system. This season can feel overwhelming and making time for the things in your life that are important to you can make all the difference!
We invite our members to enjoy a weekly blog written by our naturalists. Every blog will be uniquely different but always inspired by nature. We may share a memory from a recent hike at The Woods or teach you about an animal or plant that lives on the preserve. No matter the topic, we will be sharing with you our passion for nature and celebrating the connections we all have to the natural world. Each blog will be connected to a weekly set of activities and ideas to help you put nature in your hands, even if you’re at home!