I couldn’t write a new year’s column without making some reference to resolutions. We all tend to make and break them. I resolved not to do new year resolutions a few years ago. However I do still give time for reflection, and think about the person I would like to be.
I want to do my best for the environment. This involves looking inwards, to uncover what my strengths and passions are. For me 2024 was particularly tough, losing young friends to suicide and also an elderly uncle to whom I was close. 2025 was a better year, although we did have close family and friends who struggled with serious illness. Luckily they have all responded well to treatment. So I am hoping that the challenges of 2026 will be less challenging than the last two years! I also know my woes are tiny in comparison to those around the world in war zones, or whom are affected by global heating through floods, hurricanes, droughts and wildfires.
So my question is how can I personally play a part in making the world a better place, in a way that is also nourishing for my soul?
I love gardening, so the early part of the year will be spent working out how to manage our woods and gardens for optimum pollinator and wildlife benefit. I’ll be planting trees, hedges and bulbs, mulching beds and making log-piles and habitat boxes. And of course I’ll still be shaking crumbs out for the birds. Ever since Mum has died I’ve tried to make my birthday a day of eco-positivity, so in 2025 I planted two tulip trees and an oak, and friends joined me for a work party clearing our woodland snowdrop walk of brambles. My birthday this January falls on a changeover day with a full crew. As there aren’t currently any bookings for that do so there shouldn’t be cleaning to do, I plan to get our staff working in a community way; possibly tidying the orchard at St Germans recreation ground, beach-cleaning or both, weather permitting!
Convening with like minded individuals to campaign for justice is another way I strengthen my soul. At some point I’ll certainly be holding placards for Defend Our Juries actions, as I feel that silencing defendants and jailing peaceful protesters in the court is a great injustice. I have no doubt this will be the subject of a future column! Do have a look at the defendourjuries.org site to learn more.
As a musician I believe in the important of keeping music live, so I’ll be supporting local music wherever I can. I love using my skills to volunteer as a teacher at the fabulous Livewire Youth Music Project, and I always follow each session with a visit to the Union pub on the waterside in Saltash for live jazz. Becoming a regular is a lovely thing; you make friends and get to know the musicians. Without an audience events wouldn’t be sustainable, so do pledge to go to a few live entertainments in 2025, whether they be music, theatre, dance or comedy.
Art and poetry are also passions of mine. I plan to combine them with beach-cleaning, to create conversation-worthy pieces through my Instagram feed @LizzyListerPoet. For me connecting with nature on foot and on bike is essential for my mental well-being. Carrying a bag on my person means I can always pick up litter when I see it, and I’m never without one on the beach.
When I’m beach cleaning, I’m fascinated by what I find. Recently I discovered a pristine Asda Ice-cream Sundae packet on Portwrinkle beach, that had a best-before date of June 2010 on it. It looked like it had just been discarded. I was lucky to be brought up in a family where littering was deeply unacceptable, but I know not everyone was. If you weren’t, see if you can turn this around and use your influence to encourage those around you to do the same.
So in a nutshell, I hope 2026 brings joy, and that you are able to pass this joy on to others by living a positive, eco-conscious life that builds on your skills and interests and nourishes your soul.
Originally posted January 2025, reposted and revised 28th December 2026
