Hopeful, heartfelt resolutions as community welcomes 2026

As the island community prepares to welcome 2026, Marianas Press visited the Sabalu Market at Marianas Business Plaza last Dec. 27 to ask shoppers about their New Year’s resolutions.

Two candidates for the 2026 Miss Northern Marianas Descent Beauty Pageant eagerly shared their goals for the coming year.

One said she plans to spend more quality time with her family and enjoy life, while the other hopes to be more outgoing and deepen her engagement with the community.

As for how they intend to spend Jan. 1, both said they will be celebrating with loved ones.

“I intend to spend my New Year’s with my family,” one said. “The people that are really important to me are my mom, my siblings, and my nieces and nephews.”

“Same with me,” the other added. “I enjoy spending time with my family, and we pop fireworks for New Year’s.”

A well-spoken young man told Marianas Press he plans to read more in 2026.

“Someone once told me that if you read a book, it can help you a lot—and it has,” he said. “Education is not just after you finish high school. It’s not done when you finish college—it’s lifelong. So, my New Year’s resolution is to read a book.”

He also shared a spiritual goal—to continue following God’s will. He intends to spend New Year’s Day at church and with friends.

A wife shopping with her husband offered a simple yet powerful resolution—to “love myself more.”

She explained, “I love making people smile, even on days when it’s tough, right? And instead of thinking about others so much, I want to think about myself first before I make anybody else happy.”

For her, self-love means taking better care of her health.

“Watching what I eat—I’m going to try again. We’ll see if I’m going to pass,” she said with a laugh. “But just love yourself more. When you love yourself, you can give so much love to everybody else.”

She plans to spend New Year’s Day with her parents.

“I’m definitely going to be with my mom and dad because we’ve got to appreciate the people that are still here with us. By loving yourself, you’re also making yourself happy by being around people who love you the most and make you happy.”

Another young man said his resolution is to finally join a basketball team.

“My New Year’s resolution is to have more fun with my family and to get into a basketball team where I can work on myself,” said the point guard, who will ring in 2026 with family and friends.

Lastly, a gregarious mother active on social media said her goal is one many can relate to—losing weight.

“My New Year’s resolution is, of course, to lose weight!” she said, adding that she plans to eat less rice, watch her portions, and exercise more in the coming year.