Positive points: Welcoming in the New Year

2026 is here! It's a brand-new year filled with expectations and adventures. We thought 2025 was a mess, but within the first week of 2026, we have been slapped in the face with more unexplained turmoil. Our country has really lost its way, and we are slipping off our foundation of abiding by the Constitution and respect for rule of law. You know, it is not easy to write a positive article weekly, and I was having a bit of a block. Sometimes I have to go to my secret weapon to break the block. No, I don't go to the internet or Facebook for inspiration because there are only things like, 'I did not enjoy my 7-day trial' and 'I want to return the year 2026.' I am sure many of us feel like doing exactly that… we want a do over. Well, it doesn't work that way. Does it? I was listening to a talk show and a person from another country asked the host "Why is it that the two parties that represent Americans do more harm to the country and its people than outside forces?" I don't remember what the host said but the question keeps coming back to me. It is time for us to think about what we want for the future of our country because this is what our children and grandchildren will be inheriting from us. Get involved at any level you feel comfortable and express your beliefs and desires to our mayors, representatives, congressmen and congresswomen, senators and the president. Don't let the media tell you what to believe… research and dig for the truth… for yourself. A long time ago, I was so tired of all the negative arguments and selfishness in so many sectors of our lives. I wanted to do something to help people see the positive things all around us. I started collecting articles, sayings, comments, dreams, cartoons, advice and ideas from people who challenged me to think about how we choose to live our lives. I started this almost 30 years ago. The name of the file is simply "Positive Thoughts." This collection has served me well through the years and given me ideas for the Positive Points Column which is now going into its 26th year. I found a scrap of paper with my handwriting dated 2005 with the following suggestion, "Be like a postage stamp. Stick to one thing until you get there." I did not write this but, evidently, I liked the advice. I am going to do my best to follow this advice and not say yes to way too many projects. Quality time with family and friends will be my most important goal, especially in these turbulent times. Look for blessings in the coming year, and don't be blinded by hate and negativity. I have no idea what will bring you, my readers, lasting happiness. Nevertheless, I wish you joy to offset the hard days, and I wish you laughter shared with others. I do know that not every day can be a positive day, but I love the saying, "If you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain." So let us keep focus on the rainbows. It is completely up to you how you embrace the days ahead. If you think there needs to be change, do your best to express this to the ones who have the capacity to make change. Do it in a peaceful manner — being kind and respectful to the ones who may not agree with you. But if one wants to see change, one has to put in the time. What are you looking for in this New Year? ••• Linda Poland is Jonesborough's resident storyteller.