Resolutions
Every year I write a list of New Year’s Resolutions. I don’t consciously choose to do it, I think it’s just the reflective nature of the season and the excitement of a new beginning. The pen migrates to the page and I just do it. I also always think to myself that I am probably writing the same list over and over forever. This year I decided to pull out my lists from as far back as possible and look at them. I found them all the way back to 2020. I’m not sure where I was writing stuff before then but who cares? The world was different.
So it turns out, my lists ARE mostly the same and while they include different side quests and fun diversions (I had a year I wanted to learn to play drums, I barely remember that), they distill into a few major themes that basically make up who I am.
Much like the actual making of the list, the enactment (or not) of the resolutions just happens, whether I make the list or not. I suppose it’s a reflection on free will more than anything. I had these goals. Terrible and wonderful things happened. The planet turned. I survived another year.
Rather than share this year’s list which is special and sacred (and different I swear), here’s a list of things that were on more than one list since 2020. I’m still trying! I’m still me. I’m still here.
New Years Resolutions that Keep On
Forgive yourself and accept yourself as is.
Forgive other people too.
Spend more time outside.
Save 10% of your income.
Try new fun things just because.
Root for your hometown or wherever you live.
Play around.
Talk to dogs.
Work really hard on whatever stuff is it you’re working on.
Avoid social media.
Climb a mountain.
Ride a horse.
Be happy with less.
Relentlessly haunt the people you love.
Read books.
Buy, listen to, and make records.
Be honest and sincere.
Move your body.
Eat cake.
Practice music every day.
Remember people’s names.
Swim.
Go a little bit further than you think you can.
Avoid/walk away from drama.
Look for owls.
Do it on your terms even if it’s more expensive/slower/doesn’t make ‘sense’.
And now, my favorite New Year‘s resolution list by Woody Guthrie. More of the same.
Wishing you all a happy solstice/Christmas/New Year/everything else.
Sales and Announcements section
I released 2 really good albums in 2025. They’re very different and both great in my opinion so if you don’t have them yet, what are you waiting for? My esteemed colleagues at Dear Life Records will send you a vinyl and I myself will mail tapes. I made 100 tapes and there are about 20 left in my closet. Check it out
For the first time, we will be performing at Free Week in Austin. It’s a celebration of local music and we are performing on a bill curated by the one and only Austin Chronicle. See you there?
In January, we are going on tour with this amazing band called Friendship. If you enjoy my words here and things that I like such as Vic Chesnutt and long walks on gulf coast beaches, you will probably love them. Here’s a list of places we are going together (AUSTIN!!) buy many tickets, so many.
Really appreciate your list - very relatable. I tend to avoid making resolutions, I suppose because I so often see people making it performative and/or churning up the guilt machine on themselves. But reading yours, I’m reminded of how it can be simple and honest it can be and I love that. Gives me some hope!
Thanks for the lists! Both yours and Woody's have goals that I also share.
All the best to you in the new year!