Week One of Less Nonsense, More Good Sense
How's 2026 going for you?
If you read last week’s newsletter, you know that I said “no thanks” to formalized New Year’s Resolutions in favor of my new motto:
less nonsense, more good sense
And if you’ve been here for my other New Year’s newsletters, you’ll know that not embracing resolution-ing is sort of my MO.
A review of my past New Year issues (2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025) will show that my dislike of the Resolutions Game ~and board games too, in case you’re wondering ~ is no newsflash.
And here’s why.
The Resolutions Game (make them, tell people about them, follow them, ditch them) can come with a bit of pressure and expectations.
(And board games? Never. Can’t sit still. Please don’t ask me to play. Ever.)
But back to the Resolutions…
Here’s my interpretation of how the New Year routine goes:
10-9-8-7….
Happy New Year!
You then put down your glass of champagne and finish chewing those grapes (depending on where you live), kiss and hug your people, and then make a resolution. Then maybe you have another drink and hit the appetizer table for one more go around. Since it’s pretty pathetic looking by now, you’re glad you’ve resolved to eat clean in 2026 and you’re ready to hit the ground running in the morning.
Or maybe it’s not clean eating, it’s no booze. Or you’re going to exercise more. Or all of the above. Whatever the case, your intention is to change your ways.
And don’t worry, you’ll have help when it comes to reminders… because the hoopla about resolutions has only just begun. Starting tomorrow, everyone you know, plus every media outlet/podcast/newsletter writer from Wisconsin will be talking about resolutions for at least the next week or so.
Yes, you’ll be reminded of those resolutions daily. Which technically could be helpful, but more often than not becomes a little annoying.
Examples of New Year’s chatter that’s popped up in my feed/world lately:
~ How to Make Your Resolution Stick (according to a therapist)
~ And great that you’re making resolutions for a healthier you…
~ But also just wondering are your resolutions sustainable?
~Because… chances are, you’re going to ditch your resolution.
No wonder we ditch our resolutions… they’re stressful!
I guess when it comes down to it, it’s not the resolution part that bothers me as much as the talk about it.
With yahoos like myself at the top of the list. I’m the clown who is writing a newsletter based on something I really don’t buy into.
Which is why my mantra continues to be…
less nonsense, more good sense
I’m focusing on:
Being kind to others and kind to myself.
Making choices that are good for my health & wellbeing, and the health & wellbeing of those around me.
Organizing my life so I can enjoy it.
If those qualify as resolutions, well then throw some confetti my way.
If not, I’m good with that too.
And if you happen to dig resolutions, more power to you.
Regardless of what side you’re on - Team Resolution or Team Leave Me Alone, I’m Doing My Best, I wanted to acknowledge I think you’re doing just fine… and also, provide you with links to help make 2026 better and life easier.
But before I get to the links, a reminder:
It’s a new year, not boot camp.
Do your best, but live (and enjoy) your life.
Stay safe, be healthy, and be good to yourself & others.
It doesn’t have to be complicated.
XO,
Abbey
Let’s start with a message from the Universe that can apply to any resolution, situation, or choice you have to make in 2026:
Next, here’s a novel and simple mantra for the new year … choose joy.
I initially got introduced to the concept of joy when eating a salmon salad in Louisiana, but recently revisited the idea when I read this excerpt from Stefanie Mullen’s Substack:
Looking to reduce stress, sleep better, focus or feel more balanced? This Nordic Chill Mix can help day or night, listen to this to regenerate your whole body, this to reset your vagus nerve for sleep, and this to cleanse your chakras before bed. I also kind of dig these heavenly frequencies/sound healing ceremony.
While we’re on YouTube and talking about sleep, here’s how to manifest in your sleep. (This is good stuff.) And if dreams in general interest you, give this YouTube a listen.
Is getting out of a Dodge on your list this year? Here’s how to safely travel abroad. And, whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, you need to know these changes for 2026 when it comes to travel, and don’t miss these amazing ideas for keeping lil’ ones and everyone safe. Finally, Travel + Leisure tells us where to go in 2026.
My no-spend January was interrupted thanks to some amazing wellness finds in Liz Plosser’s Best Case Scenario newsletter like shoes from a company called While On Earth, a new collection from
