What things I would like to change about myself and others in 2026 is probably a good place to start for the early part of the year.
Personally, I have decided I need to smile more. No matter what the inside of me feels like, the outside – while rough and ready – needs to project more happiness.
I have a lot to be happy about and have been for most of my life. But ever since I was kid, people have been asking me: “What is the matter?” I seem to have a natural frown, even though most of the time I am actually happy or at least happy/sad neutral.
So, that must change. But I know one thing: it will freak out people who know me well. They will be wondering what the hell I am smiling about. That works for me.
My political views need to change as well. I have always been middle to right, but with what is going on in the world lately, I think I am just middle: not left, not right, but dead centre. I care more now than ever for our multiculturalism and the underprivileged families impacted by disability and serious illness. I want to make it my mission in life to help where I can at best and understand more at worst.
That’s enough change for me. Now, for others, I would love to see more compassion and understanding, rather than what I believe we have inherited from Covid: a ‘me, me, me, me’ philosophy. This might be hard to do, but it is worth considering. And wouldn’t it be great to see both sides of politics working together to make us a better state and a better nation rather than point scoring whenever they can?
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
While on politics, I reckon one less tier of government would be great as well. There are way too many mouths drinking at the taxpayers’/ratepayers’ trough, with way too much red tape that they have themselves and us in.
If you have read this far, I agree the above paragraph is a pretty tough ask. Maybe start with something simpler – like not walking three abreast on pathways; saying hello when you pass someone on those walkways; waving when someone lets you into a traffic lane; and, most of all, not practising road rage – we are all going to get there eventually.
Yes, I know: keep it simple, stupid. I just need to smile more. Enjoy your year.
Ashley Robinson is chairman of the Sunshine Coast Falcons and Sunshine Coast Thunder Netball, and a lifetime Sunshine Coast resident.
