Dear Editor,

Can you believe it? You have made it into 2026! Cheers and best wishes for another Roman calendar year. May it be a better and more fulfilling year for you and your loved ones.

We honour the Almighty God who has allowed us to cross over into another year. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us that, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

Many people did not expect to make it here due to sickness, mental exhaustion, dire losses, sufferings, and low self-worth, but purpose prevailed. Their time to depart this world has not yet come. Therefore, another day among the living is another reason to dream, hope, and walk in the will of God.

I am grateful for the many successes I enjoyed in 2025 and, most importantly, that I have used my gifts and talents to help others become and realise untapped potentials — fulfilling the cause to which the Lord has called me.

As we embark on a new year, I am aware that my writings help to shape discourse, empower, educate, and elucidate — an honourable privilege that I do not take lightly. Consequently, I would like to offer six tips for 2026.

1) Live purposefully: Psalm 90:12 instructs us, “Teach us to realise the brevity of life so that we grow in wisdom.” Humans always think that they have time, so there is a tendency to delay important things and ignore our true calling — sometimes out of fear. However, procrastination paralyses productivity and progress. You have to seize every opportunity to be fruitful and focus on things that are meaningful and valuable.

2) Take charge of your identity: Step into your own light. You are bright enough; you do not need to hide yourself behind anyone to stay in the shadows. Assert your own identity. Develop your personal brand and assure yourself that you are capable of becoming the best version of yourself.

3) Heal: This is probably easier said than done. However, many of us are walking around with past trauma, hurt, disappointment, embarrassment, and shame. It may require therapy, counselling, confronting the hard truths, or taking some time off, but we often feel stuck because of the mental and emotional baggage that we carry around.

4) Upskill: The world is more competitive. It is time to get another degree or certificate, or even a new skill. It is also good for the brain. It is important to invest in you and set up yourself to seize opportunities. What will make you stand out?

5) Gain exposure: Come out of your comfort zone. Try something outside of your own field of specialisation. Engage in interdisciplinary tasks. Outside of work-related activities, visit another country. Soak up another culture. You can gain much valuable information about life and the world when you visit different places. Go to that country that has always been on your bucket list.

6) Cherish loved ones: Let people know how you feel about them. Give them their roses while they are alive. We may be here today, but we are gone tomorrow. Create memories with family members and friends. Make time for dates, social outings, family reunions, phone calls, and prayer. Uplift and support each other.

Have a great and prosperous year!

Happy New Year! Bonne année! Feliz año nuevo!

Oneil Madden

maddenoniel@yahoo.com