BADDA BOOM! by Frances Kennedy franceskennedy782@gmail com
It’s 2026! So here we are again at the top of a new January. How often do we hear people herald the notion that the new year will change their circumstances, fortunes, or fate? It’s heartbreaking or hilarious, depending on one’s disposition. Magical
thinking is the belief that one’s thoughts, words, or deeds can directly influence external events (or vice versa) without a logical link between the two. Don’t dismiss those ‘New Year’s Resolution’ resolves committed to flipping the switch on New Year’s Eve to become their ideal selves; despite both optimism and determination, neither can guarantee their aspirations. That’s not to say there isn’t a way to achieve certain success, but first, a reality check. Let’s revisit the concept of raison d’etre , meaning ‘reason for being’, which inspires the question: What brings you joy? Unlike happiness (the pursuit of which is inscribed in the American Constitution), joy is not linked to external circumstances; it is described as a deeper state of contentment that, thankfully, can exist regardless of what’s happening in the world. Given that, let’s pursue the reset required to generate genuine joy. Health is wealth, and SimplyLiving suggests that healthy longevity is supported by eight daily self-care habits: 1. Drink 40 ounces of water; 2. Take in 10 minutes of natural light upon awakening; 3. Get social at least three times a week; 4. Practice balance exercises; 5. Eat protein-rich foods at every meal; 6. Practice deep breathing for five minutes; 7. Maintain a regular sleep schedule; 8. I lost the last one listed, but make it your own; mine is to take a daily walk. What’s my point? If joy is internally generated, self-care is critical to achieving it. Knowing what brings us joy cannot be fully answered until we truly know ourselves. It really goes beyond contentment and scores at fulfillment. What do you enjoy doing? What are you good at doing? What matters the most to you? How would you most enjoy doing what matters? Chris Brogan, a thought leader and mentor of mine, approaches the new year with ‘My Three Words’ that govern what he does, for whom and why he does it. Chris explains that the three words you choose are there to guide your decisions in the new year. According to Brogan, “The words should point to who you intend to be, what you want to focus on, and how you want to proceed in the year ahead.” It’s a ‘becoming’ statement. It’s transformational but without setting us up for failure. As Albert Einstein once opined, “When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change.” Badda Bing! Happy New Year!
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • Jan-Feb 2026 Page 15
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