I grapple with an age-old tradition: resolutions. January has long been a time to draw lines in the sand and make promises to ourselves – to eat better, exercise more, save money, or call family more often. But one can’t help but ask: Do these personal goals hold the same weight in an increasingly chaotic world?

The global landscape is, to put it mildly, unsettling. War continues to rage between Russia and Ukraine, with devastating consequences for countless lives. The Middle East remains a cauldron of unrest, where hope struggles to break through decades of turmoil. Across the Atlantic, California is battling unprecedented ferocity of wildfires – a stark reminder that climate change is no longer a distant threat but an immediate crisis.

The concept of resolutions can feel almost quaint in the face of these monumental challenges. How do we focus on personal growth when the world feels like it’s on fire, both literally and figuratively? Perhaps the answer lies in reimagining what resolutions mean.

Instead of focusing solely on the individual, this could be the year to think collectively. What if our resolutions weren’t just about self-improvement but about community improvement? Could we resolve to support local businesses, volunteer for causes or extend more kindness to neighbours and strangers alike?

We are fortunate to live in Gstaad, which often feels like a sanctuary from the world’s troubles. Yet, we are not immune to them. Our region’s beauty and tranquillity are gifts, but we also carry a responsibility to protect and preserve them.

So, as we write our list for 2025, perhaps it’s worth thinking beyond the usual suspects of weight loss and better habits. Let’s think about what we can contribute, not just what we can achieve. Because in times like these, the small acts – the ones that build bridges, foster understanding, and create hope – might be the resolutions that matter most.

Here’s to a year of meaningful action – for ourselves, for our community, and for a world that needs it more than ever.

Jeanette Wichmann
Editor in Chief