While COVID-19 thankfully waned in the U.S. and many of us felt a slow return to normalcy, 2022 was still an eventful year. From Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to the death of Queen Elizabeth, the overturning of Roe v. Wade to midterm elections, the rise in inflation to the collapse of crypto, the devolution of Kanye to the evolution of Elon Musk — there was no shortage of news.
We’ll see what 2023 has in store for us, but until then we make our New Year’s resolutions. As I do every year, I’m happy to share the hopes and promises of friends, colleagues, pols and newsmakers who kindly entrusted me with their aspirations — small and large.
(As for me, I’m resolving to give birth in 2023 — to a new book.)
Vincent D’Onofrio, actor: “I will refuse to turn my back on those who disagree with me. The loudest voices do not represent this country of ours. The many more silent people do. I will remain with those good people and continue to stand up for my liberal views. But I will not hate my fellow citizen.”
LZ Granderson, LA Times op-ed columnist: “Stop saying age is just a number. That doesn’t mean you just give up in terms of fitness or nightlife or you stop trying to learn new things. But desperately trying to be young or dismissing my time on Earth as just a number diminishes the benefits of aging.”
Molly Jong-Fast, journalist: “Stop fighting about politics with my son.”
Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO, Anti-Defamation League: “1. For the world: Less hate, more hope. 2. For me, read a book a month and get to the gym 3X a week.”
Dave Quinn, author “Not All Diamonds and Rosé:” “I want to make a conscious effort to let go of some of the resentments I’ve been carrying with me. The anger and bitterness that surfaces inside me sometimes over trauma I haven’t yet let go of does me no good. We’re aiming for positive vibes only in 2023!”
Henry Winkler, actor: “To overcome the disdain I have for certain people I have never met.”
Katty Kay, journalist: “Banish grievances — in all rows with family. Embrace perspective — in all areas of life.”
Jim Acosta, CNN anchor: “One of the best things I did in 2022 was to adopt a rescue dog … Duke! My resolution for 2023 is to continue to encourage others to get in the rescue game. In the meantime, I’ll try to keep on barking truth to power myself.”
Heather Gay, “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City:” “To read more. But mostly to get others to read more, starting with my book, ‘Bad Mormon,’ available Feb. 7.”
Richard Marx, recording artist: “My 2023 resolution is to pay closer attention to the quality of my thinking. Negativity is contagious, and there’s an awful lot to feel awful about, but focusing one’s thoughts on gratitude and grace can be the basis for a movement in a positive direction.”
Christine Quinn, president and CEO of Women in Need, Win: “Stop biting my nails and find ways to be of greater service to society.”
Sara Sidner, CNN correspondent: “I have a rule. I do not make resolutions. I DO however have a theme each year. This year it is finding joy in all things.”
Victor Shi, youngest elected delegate for Joe Biden: “My goals this year are to do better at simply embracing the present and holding the people and things I care about tight. And, as a Gen Zer, I want to continue to civically empower my peers and inform people about the importance of the youth vote.”
Elie Honig, CNN legal analyst: “Do fewer things but do them better; minimize Twitter time; master five new recipes.”
Wendy Osefo, “The Real Housewives of Potomac:” “As a wife and mom of three I often put the needs of my family before my own. In 2023, I am going to be selfish and put myself and my needs first. As people we cannot pour from an empty cup, and in this new year I am making a vow to ensure my cup is full.”
Steve Munro, artist: “To grow my skills in figurative painting.”
Remi Bader, influencer: “I looked back on my list of New Year’s resolutions from last year and counted that I had 18. From those 18 I only managed to successfully follow through with one of them. I realized that I’ve done this every year, and I’m only letting myself down. So for 2023 my resolution is to just focus on baby steps and making small meaningful changes for my health and my overall well-being.”
MJ Lee, CNN Senior White House Correspondent: “Get more sleep during the work week by somehow mastering the art of falling asleep before 10 p.m., and reading for leisure more (the latter, I think, could maybe help with the former?)”
S.E. Cupp is the host of “S.E. Cupp Unfiltered” on CNN.
