I know, I know. It is the start of a new year and I am supposed to be filled with optimism and hope and deliver an uplifting message. But the only thing I am lifting now are my eyebrows every time I have a “really?!” moment. And I am the father of two teenage boys, so my eyebrows are getting quite the workout.
Between the uncertain economy and the uncertain decision making of my oldest teenager and that of “leaders” in Washington, there are many days I have to muster energy just to face the day. My milk of human kindness has curdled. I find myself having to tap deeply into patience to get through more interactions than I used to—and patience is not one of my virtues. I have felt internal organs actually shift under the strain of containing my sarcasm and controlling my facial expressions as I have no poker face.
Heavy sighs used to be reserved for getting out of a chair. I’m a 54-year-old fat man—it’s involuntary and I have learned to accept it. Now they accompany various notifications when I turn my computer on and ready myself for the onslaught.
And I know I am not alone. I have noticed increasingly at networking events when I ask, “How are you doing?” a hesitancy as they weigh answering the usual “fine” or if they admit, “not good.” And those honest answers have been slipping out more.
I know I am not always helping your mood. After all, I put a series of stories on the December cover about how nonprofits are struggling (Merry Christmas!) and a story about how bankruptcies are on the rise in this issue (Happy New Year!) But these are important issues we must face.
I remain cognizant that not all news is bad news and there are good companies doing great things in NH. We will make sure we continue to highlight those and the opportunities that exist in our economy. We strive to make sure our stories not only talk about the challenges, but the solutions being sought.
So, I will emit one more heavy sigh as we head into 2026, put on my big boy pants and remember to focus on the good around me and in my life. We do not know what 2026 has in store and we all had a lot to survive in 2025. But we made it through. And we will not only make it through 2026, but we will endeavor to thrive as a state because we are Granite Staters and when the chips are down, we pull together.
Business NH Magazine will be there to cover your successes as well as explain the challenges. We look forward to being a valued resource for you in 2026. We wish all our readers and advertisers a prosperous New Year.
Sincerely,
Matthew J. Mowry,
Co-Publisher and Executive Editor
