A new year isn't about resolutions-it's about courage

Students engaged in a group discussion about being courageous.

Every January, we’re told to make resolutions. Be better. Do more. Try harder. But what if this new year isn’t about pressure or perfection at all? What if it’s about courage?

Courage doesn’t arrive with a checklist. It doesn’t demand flawless plans or instant success. Courage begins quietly—in the moment you decide to take one small step forward, even when you’re unsure of the outcome. And that’s exactly the kind of courage the Sisterhood Sleuths believe in.

At the heart of every Sisterhood Sleuths story is a simple truth: you don’t need all the answers to begin. You just need curiosity, kindness, and the willingness to keep going. Our characters don’t wake up knowing how the mystery will end. They step into the unknown together, trusting one another and learning as they go. That’s a powerful lesson for all of us—especially for kids navigating a world that often feels overwhelming.

This time last year, the Sisterhood Sleuths themselves were just a dream. One story. One idea. One leap of faith. There was no long list of resolutions—only a belief that storytelling could help children feel stronger, braver, and more confident in who they are. That belief became action, and that action became a global journey of readers, book clubs, schools, and communities discovering the power of story.

For children, courage can mean raising a hand in class, making a new friend, or standing up for what feels right. For teens, it might be trusting their instincts, asking questions, or daring to believe in their own voice. For adults, courage often looks like starting something new, sharing an idea, or following a dream that’s been waiting patiently in the background.

That’s why the Sisterhood Sleuths Outreach Program is built around courage, not perfection. It encourages kids to explore life lessons through mystery and adventure—to see challenges as puzzles rather than obstacles. When children read together, discuss together, and discover together, they learn something powerful: they are not alone.

This new year, we invite you to let go of the pressure to be perfect. Instead, choose curiosity. Choose a connection. Choose one brave step—no matter how small. Read a new story. Ask a new question. Try something that sparks excitement instead of fear.

The world doesn’t change because we promise to be flawless. It changes because we dare to begin.

At Sisterhood Sleuths, we believe courage is contagious. One curious mind leads to another. One brave choice opens a door. One story can change the way someone sees themselves—and their place in the world.

So as this year unfolds, remember: you don’t need a resolution to move forward. You just need the courage to take the next step.

And the adventure begins right there.

Written by Cathy Warshaw (c) C&B Creative Partners, LLC. (2026)