Even as we embraced the hope the new year brings, particularly in regard to the novel coronavirus, the year began with a shocking attack by insurgents on our nation’s Capitol, January 6, as lawmakers gathered to give final certification to the November election. The shameful overrun of the nation’s symbol of democracy inspired by lies, conspiracy theories, and misinformation made our hearts fall. The ceremony of tallying votes, usually not even acknowledged by the public, turned into a global embarrassment.

We can be proud, however, of the lawmakers who, after sheltering from the violence for hours, returned to the chamber, resolute in completing the task demanded by the Constitution. In the early morning hours of January 7, that work was done, and Joseph R. Biden, Jr, was officially designated the next president of the United States.

Resolution. That is what it took to put back the shattered bits of democracy after the hours of disruption. Resolve is what they will need to follow up productively.

Resolutions are hard to keep. Anyone who has pinky-promised themselves at the break of the old and new years knows that keeping one is terrifically hard — especially if adhering only to the full extent of that promise is acceptable. Setting the bar too high can set one up for self-flagellation. But 2020 was not an easy year. Making it through the nearly ten months of pandemic, only to arrive in the new year with knowledge that it ain’t over yet, demands renewed resolve on the personal level.

Give yourself a break. Why not start with something far more simple than the resolve it took for our nation’s leaders to return to Chamber and get the job done? We remain engaged in a battle with an invisible insurgent, that of COVID-19. Small actions can lead to big results: Wear a mask, wash hands, practice physical distancing — and get the vaccine when your turn comes up. Even after receiving the vaccine, COVID protocols must still be practiced. We must resolve to do what is in our capacities to vanquish this virus.

Our national leaders proved themselves resolute for us the night of January 6, in a big way. Our resolutions do not need to be as monumental, but can tip the scales in our favor when we forge onward.

Be kind to yourself in 2021. As we turn kindness inward, we may find it easier to extend it to those around us. Our town officials, the volunteers who staff so many essential operations, the grocery clerks and office help, first responders, doctors and health care workers, teachers and students all need the support of others to succeed.

Take baby steps toward the future, step by step, climbing over the rubble in your way. Whether resolutions are pushed upon us by unexpected outside actions or come from the core, resolve to acknowledge that we are all moving forward in our own ways. It is a simple act of faith for 2021.