The Best Place to Start is with a Paper and Pen

By: Emma Novak

Image courtesy of Wix.

At the beginning of a new year, it is good to ask yourself what you have done this past year to

strengthen your relationship with Christ. Whether it is trying to go to Mass more, going to

confession more often, or even just saying an extra prayer. Many people tend to forget the

importance of New Year's. When I think of New Year's, I consider it a day to reflect on the past

and start the next chapter of my life, like a fresh start.

A significant number of people create goals, yet, the majority of them don’t execute their

goals. Why? Well, first, it’s hard. One of my goals this past year was to say the rosary five days a

week, as I was getting ready for school. Some days, I was excited to say the rosary; other days I

just wanted to jam out to music in my room. Thinking back now, I’m proud of myself for saying

the rosary when it was one of those hard days. On the other hand, there were definitely times that

I chose music over the rosary. This 2026 season, I am hoping to work towards that goal.

If you asked yourself that question, “What have you done this past year to strengthen

your relationship with Christ?” and realize you haven’t truly done anything to enrich your

relationship with Christ, now is the perfect place to start. Two Corinthians 5:17 states, therefore,

if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

This Bible passage spoke to me about how God gives us a fresh start each and every year. God

wants us to achieve our goals and become the best version of ourselves.

Sometimes, starting is the hardest part, so if you know where to start, this 2026 year

could be your best yet! Now, where to start, I would say the best place to start would be with a

paper and pen, and write down at least three goals you want to achieve by the end of the year.

Then, write how you will make it happen. Make sure at least one of your goals helps you

strengthen your relationship with Christ. Find a little bit of time each and every day, even if it's

only five or ten minutes, to achieve your goals and you will be one step closer to your goal than

you were the day before. God tells us how to live because He wants us to live good, happy lives.

I wanted to share what New Year's truly means to me, and I hope that you have learned

something you can keep in your heart for a long time. I hope you find the motivation to achieve

one of your goals this year and are able to make 2026 your best year yet! Always remember

Isaiah 43:18-19 "Forget the former things... I am doing new things!"