Let’s talk about New Year’s resolutions—that annual ritual where we vow to finally get in shape, save more, stress less, or become a better version of ourselves.

But let’s be honest: Most of us don’t make it past February.

Research shows that only about 8% of people actually keep their New Year’s resolutions all year. In fact, according to Forbes, the average resolution lasts just under four months.

Did you make a resolution this year? Why or why not? Reply to this email and let us know!

Here’s what else we’re covering today:

📢 We asked, you answered: Readers sound off on what the country needs 

🔍 Question of the week: What are your thoughts on Venezuela? 

✍️ Renowned poets with connections to the Granite State

P.S. New year, same great reads. Pass this newsletter along to someone who’d appreciate it.

This week, we asked readers: What does the country need in 2026? Here’s what you had to say…

“Sanity, respect, and humanity included as guiding principles for planning and decision making at all levels.” — Lori McGinley

“A return to valuing honesty, integrity, and courtesy in both public and private behavior. Personal honor is considered old-fashioned, but it should be a valued concept.” — JoAnn Carlson 

“More accountability for those in power is definitely needed, but who will hold them accountable? Republicans hold the majority, not only in Congress, but in many states, including this one… I see a civil war coming in this country. Maybe it’s what is needed.” — Michele E. Flynn

“Systemic change is needed in our government. The two-party system is naturally divisive and no longer serves the public interest. Most politicians prioritize party and political career over people. The power of our vote has been severely weakened over time by wealthy donors and corporations.  Average people cannot compete with billionaires and corporations for political favor. There are things that can be done if we can somehow find the political will to do them. I am not confident we will.” — Mike Singer

Read all the responses.

More to say? Reply to this email and let me know!

NH Rep. Maggie Goodlander recently called out President Donald Trump for turning his back on the American economy by shifting focus to Venezuela.

So this week’s question is…

What are your thoughts on the president taking control of Venezuela? 

Two road signs pay tribute to poet Robert Frost’s ‘The Road Not Taken.’ Photo by Neil Stanners/ Getty

By Stacy Milbouer

✍️ Robert Frost — Perhaps the most famous poet tied to New Hampshire, Frost lived in both Derry and Franconia, drawing inspiration from the state’s woods, farms, and rural life. Both homes are now historic sites.

✍️ Donald Hall Jr. — A former US Poet Laureate who spent decades writing at Eagle Pond Farm in Wilmot, where New Hampshire’s landscape became central to his work.

✍️ Maxine Kumin — Also a former US Poet Laureate, Kumin lived in Warner, writing vividly about farm life, nature, and the rhythms of rural New England.

✍️ Charles Simic — A Pulitzer Prize–winning poet who lived and taught at the University of New Hampshire in Durham for more than 30 years, shaping generations of writers.

✍️ E.E. Cummings — The experimental poet spent summers at Joy Farm in Madison, a place that influenced both his playful style and enduring love of the New Hampshire landscape.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with reporting by Stacy Milbouer. It was edited by Kimberly Lawson.

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