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A man gazes out on a winter forest landscape. A frosty lake and rich green forest are sprawled across the landscape.

The Art of the Non-Resolution

Posted: 01/01/26

Setting goals that feel less like regimens and more like slowing down, recentering and finding the beauty in it all.

It's possible that the whole concept of New Year's resolutions was never designed to lead to success. Did you know there's a New Year's Quitter Day? It's the second Friday in January.

Nothing inspires motivation like 'Happy Quitters Day!'

If New Year's resolutions are meant to be quitted, maybe we stop setting 'new year, new me' goals. Maybe something more grounded is easier to manage, more meaningful, and sets us up better for success.

Enter the Non-Resolution Resolution, where the goal is simply to be grateful for what we have and find the joy in each day. Did you also know there's scientific evidence proving gratitude is good for mental health?

The evidence

Here's what Care for Big Bear appreciates about Big Bear:

1. We Love Our Forest

Big Bear is surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest where wildlife like coyotes, deer, black bears, burros, squirrels, birds and more are much loved neighbors. Forest trails offer quiet, grounding moments where nature exists is its purest form.

Experience Forest Trails

2. We Love Our Stars

Located away from urban sprawls, Big Bear enjoys darker night skies and beautiful stargazing opportunities not easily accessed in cities and suburbs.

Look to the stars!

3. We Love Our Zoo

Big Bear Alpine Zoo is first and foremost a rehabilitation center for injured and sick wildlife with 90% of animal patients getting released into their forest home at the end of treatment. The ones who remain are permanently disabled, imprinted or otherwise unable to survive on their own.

Meet the animals

4. We Love Our Community

Our businesses give Big Bear its close-knit and community minded spirit and we're grateful to work with so many of them on sustainable initiatives that protect our environment.

Get to know our partners