Four more days left in 2025, and I am ready to see it go. I’m poised to start 2026 with letting go of things that challenge my sanity, happiness and peace of mind.

With that said, I have no idea really how to go about it. As many of my retired friends tell me, it is important to have a regular schedule. Routine is important for body, mind and soul. Let’s face it, when fully employed and attached to a 40-plus work week, there was little time to deviate from the routine.

I learned that early on when I no longer went to the newsroom every day, I had to continue to put my thoughts, words and actions to good use. So in the New Year, I hope to refine those things that have become my routine.

The real problem is that we are ending a year like no other before it.

The amount of turmoil, violence and political discord has been like no other I’ve seen in my lifetime. I don’t know what 2026 will bring, and it scares me even more.

As grandparents, we claim we want to leave our world a better place for our children and grandchildren.

Yet we haven’t done a very good job at that recently.

Far too many children today have anxiety issues, allergies and learning disorders.

That doesn’t paint a pretty picture for leaving a legacy to the next generation.

I’m really at a crossroads on where to begin to help turn things around. I do know that the old ways of previous generations were simpler, less stressful. However, today modern technology and the still-questionable use of AI have me wondering if I will even be able to relate to my fellow young man in the new year.

But just when I think all is lost, I read a story of hope or hear of the good deeds being performed around me. So I plan, when fully physically able, to give more of myself to those less fortunate than me. There are many ways to volunteer time and energy without dipping into your pocketbook.

I have found my niche at the Gabriel Project in Wheeling where volunteers like myself hand out diapers, formula clothes and more to young mothers (and dads) and their babies up to age 3.

It’s amazing how rewarding it is to see the smiles on the faces of those who walk through the doors. It’s not about a handout, but a hand up.

I hope in 2026 all of my readers find what makes their world go around a little better. Have a happy New Year!

Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.