This week, we asked readers for their thoughts and wishes for the coming year, and whether the events of 2020 have impacted their New Year’s resolutions.

 

“Yeah, oh God! I just want this COVID to disappear, you know what I mean? Maybe some people should stop reading these conspiracy theories and get behind the vaccine. That should be the number one thing, because if people don’t take the vaccines, this thing is not going away. For 2021, I’m wishing myself for some good health. That will be my resolution, to stop smoking and getting myself back into decent health.”

 

Frank Soria,

Bedford Park

“Surviving 2020 as a transgender, Black woman taught me faith. It scared me with hope, and it led me to believe in the unbelievable – everyday living out of poverty, walking down the street out of scarcity. My fashion provokes toxic masculinity. Man, my humanity is voided and furthermore, criminalized. My 2021 wish is always to be able to wish. My 2021 hope is to be happy.”

 

T.S. Candii,

Flatbush, Brooklyn

“This past year has been like no other in my life. Between COVID-19 and a terrible president, 2020 has been depressing. I am hoping that 2021 will be the calm after the storm. I know it will take time, but there is hope. For a New Year’s resolution, I hope to spend more time with relatives and friends when we are safe from COVID.”

 

Walter Pofeldt,

Schylerville

“I wish for permanent cure of all diseases through non-invasive procedures, not surgery. I pray for the unification of all humankind. That love overtakes hate. My resolutions are to be more patient, and to finally meet that special significant other. The year hasn’t had an impact on my New Year’s resolutions, but even through a pandemic, I pray for a safe effective cure and that the newly elected president and vice president run the country well, and are able to achieve world peace.”

 

Alan Paul Katz,

Norwood

 

“I always like to set goals and I think it’s kind of part of a tradition. This year, I think the perspective has been on what matters most in life for me – prioritizing family and good health, and community, and perseverance. I am about to be a father in January, so my New Year’s resolution is to really commit myself to fatherhood and dedicate myself to the development of my child.”

 

Ululy Rafael Martinez,

Hunts Points