First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Now is the time that many of us will be making our New Year’s resolutions, most of which will be broken by February 1st. But that’s OK ~ we’re human and at least we tried, right? 😉
So in order to be helpful, I am offering you a list of things to resolve NOT to do in 2026, hoping that you’ll live to see 2027.
MY LIST OF LIFE-SAVING NOT-TO-DO’s
Never ever test the ice to see if it’s thick enough when you’re on the deep end of the pond.
Never sneak up on a person holding a gun or knife. It might end badly for you.
Never argue with a fool. Remember, you can’t fix stupid.
Never depend on the Lottery or Powerball as part of your retirement portfolio.
Never ever try to engage a telemarketer into a conversation. You’ll lose, and your wallet will be a little lighter.
Never go skydiving without an updated will.
Never try to pet an alligator on the head to see if it will bite unless you don’t value your fingers.
Never forget that “I’m sorry” and “I apologize” mean the same thing, except at a funeral.
Never tell a weight lifter he’s ugly.
Never drink too much coffee. It will make you do dumb things faster.
Never take up chainsaw juggling. I’m told it can be a cutting experience.
Never forget that people eat more bananas than monkeys. Monkeys just do not taste all that good.
Never put your phone on the table during dinner. You’re telling everyone at the table that someone out there is more important than they are.
Never drop a lot of F-bombs in public. It’s kind of low class.
Never show your anger or drink too much in public. It just doesn’t look pretty.
Never forget the positive energy a smile can have.
Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow.
Never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after.
And finally…
NEVER GIVE IN.
Never, never, never, never — in nothing, great or small, large or petty — never give in, except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.
…Winston Churchill
We can now consider ourselves to be well prepared for a fabulous new year 😉.
Wishing all a happy and healthy 2026!
✍️ Greg Stangl
