A new decade is upon us, and it’s the time of year when people start reflecting on the past. It’s also the time when some decide to make goals for the upcoming year. We asked around to see what people in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area thought about New Year’s resolutions and if they’d be making any going into 2020.
Ilanna Hester, executive director at TOSH
“I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions. I’m like a September girl, I like when school starts. And I also think that like - these expectations build us up for failure… I think it’s better to work on it everyday, and be like these are my challenges every day, and how can I be a better future self?”
“We’re going to fail. So instead of having resolutions, I’m just going to be OK with failing, and getting faster and better at failing… and then you know that you’re resilient. Build that grit, more than have resolutions.”
Brian Wiese, Mayor of Qualicum Beach
“I have made them but usually, they fail within a week or so. Used to be the usual, lose a few pounds, quit smoking… years ago. This year, it’s to be a better, loving, caring person, the ongoing challenge nowadays.”
Susanna Newton, executive director at SOS
“Well, mine is probably the same as it is every New Year, which is maintain my health and, in my head, that’s done by attending the gym more regularly and eating healthy, so those are my goals I guess for the New Year and it’ll be another year I’ll be working on them.”
Netanja Waddell, manager of the Qualicum Beach Museum
“I was never big on New Year’s resolutions as I do try to live a healthy and hopefully meaningful life throughout the year, eating a mostly plant-based diet and exercising daily whenever possible. As I get older, however, I find this time of year to be more and more one of reflection, and an opportunity to recognize the blessings in my life and be thankful and grateful. In the past few years, if I have made any resolutions, they have been to have more fun and be more spontaneous, as I learn there is joy to experience when living in the moment. Ultimately the main goal is to continue to work on myself, trying not to fret the small stuff (easier said than done for some of us!) and let go of the things I cannot control.”
Mary Ellen Campbell, president of the Parksville Museum
“My hope is that the museum will be one of the top 10 destination choices for people to come to visit, so that would be our immediate resolution. And for me personally, it’s always to just have more fun in my life.”
Ed Mayne, Mayor of Parksville
“My big objective for the city will be to strive to get Parksville closer to achieving our five goals established by the mayor’s roundtable. With emphasis on affordable housing and moving the swimming pool closer to fruition. For me personally I have the same ones every year. Get back to exercising, lose weight and spend a little more time practising my music. We have a very busy year ahead of us but I am so looking forward to 2020.”
Keven Elder, superintendent of schools for SD 69
“To cherish the chance to continue as a part of this wonderful community, and to keep public education front and center as the foundation of a healthy society now and into the future.”
— NEWS staff