The arrival of 2022 brings with it the opportunity to start fresh — the ultimate clean slate — but at the same time the ability to re-evaluate long-term goals and self-reflection.

In the waning days of what’s been an interesting year, The Post-Journal and OBSERVER newspapers reached out to several local leaders and members of the community seeking their New Year’s resolutions summed up in just one sentence. Their responses, seen below, were sincere and provide hope as the world enters its third year navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Jeff Rotunda, United Christian Advocacy Network (UCAN mission) executive director: “Don’t be afraid to seek out challenges and adventure, because life begins at the end of your comfort zone!”

• Joseph Reyda, Bemus Point Central School superintendent: “My resolution is to start each day focusing on something positive we are providing to students. It’s too easy to be caught up in constant negativity. I want a reminder of all of the good things we are providing for children.”

• Kellie Roberts, Chautauqua County Humane Society executive director, “My resolution for 2022 is to reduce my intake of Tim Horton’s Dark Roast to a level that it is financially sustainable.”

• James Quattrone, Chautauqua County sheriff: “I would like to do weekly Coffee with a Cop stops throughout the county. This is to continue learning the cares and concerns of residents in Chautauqua County.”

• Tory Irgang, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation executive director: “The word that I am focusing on for 2022 is ‘rest.’ ‘Rest’ for me includes goals around reading for pleasure, disconnecting from devices, and setting aside time to be quiet.”

• Cherie Rowland, St. Susan Center executive director: “In 2022, it is my hope all who walk through St Susan Center’s doors are strengthened by meals we serve and encouraged with fellowship.”

• PJ Wendel, Chautauqua County executive: “To begin a four-year term and grow the county’s economy.”

• Dave Smith, Gowanda mayor: “My New Year’s resolution is to make the most of every situation God has put me in and to use my gifts to make things better for others whenever and wherever I can.”

• Wilfred Rosas, Dunkirk mayor: “I will continue to work with elected officials to bring progress to our community.”

• Douglas Essek, Fredonia mayor: “(My hope is) that the new Board (of Trustees) and I can work as a respectful team to accomplish what is in the best interest for the village for the next two years.”

• Dan Pacos, Pomfret town supervisor: “My New Year’s resolutions for the town of Pomfret include continuing to work on a number of projects that the town has planned. We will complete work on our newly-formed water district in Lily Dale, installing the water main lines and repaving the streets when the work is completed.”

• Liz Witherspoon: “To let 2022 be the year that I stop letting a pandemic affect my mood, personal stability, and get out of survivor mode that it’s put me in. To live life day by day and not let this dictate my happiness anymore.”

• Erin Hirschman Coulter: “I want to get my anxiety under control so I can live my best life.”

• Wendy Roof: “I need to be kinder to myself.”

• Jamie Genco: “This year I survived, next year I want to live.”

• Dave Coulter: “One push up is better than not exercising. One minute of guitar practice is better than none at all. One minute of reading is better than never picking up a book. It’s better to do less than you hoped than to do nothing at all.”

• Victoria Bardo: “Enjoy and be grateful every second of every day!”

• Rhonda Schwob: “To find the positive in all situations. My glass will be half full this year.”

• Lisa Piazza: “Listen to Walt Disney and bring back the magic of the world we share!”