In 1942, Woody Guthrie wrote a list of 33 New Year’s resolutions. He was six months shy of his 30th birthday.

He called it “new years rulin’s.” Here’s the list:

1. Work more and better
2. Work by a schedule
3. Wash teeth if any
4. Shave
5. Take bath
6. Eat good — fruit — vegetables — milk
7. Drink very scant if any
8. Write a song a day
9. Wear clean clothes — look good
10. Shine shoes
11. Change socks
12. Change bed cloths often
13. Read lots good books
14. Listen to radio a lot
15. Learn people better
16. Keep rancho clean
17. Dont get lonesome
18. Stay glad
19. Keep hoping machine running
20. Dream good
21. Bank all extra money
22. Save dough
23. Have company but dont waste time
24. Send Mary and kids money
25. Play and sing good
26. Dance better
27. Help win war — beat fascism
28. Love mama
29. Love papa
30. Love Pete
31. Love everybody
32. Make up your mind
33. Wake up and fight

I am particularly fond of number 19, “keep hope machine running.” It is good advice at the beginning of any year.

Upon reflection, I realize that it is good advice every day. Especially on the days when despair creeps in and darkness lingers at the edges, threatening to come ever closer. The days when I doubt — doubt myself, doubt humanity, doubt that we can keep the darkness at bay. The days when I feel small and voiceless.

On those days — especially those days — I need resolution number 33: “wake up and fight.” Woody Guthrie was a troubadour and he fought mightily with his songs.

I am a rabbi and a writer. I fight by trying to bring light when I can. To be kind. To be a role model for those who follow after me. To remind the world that Jews and Judaism bring something vital, something necessary and transformative.

I am more than twice Woody Guthrie’s age when he wrote his list. I am more than 10 years older than he was when he died of Huntington’s disease at age 55.

I will never achieve his level of greatness as a storyteller. That’s OK. I will never do many things. It won’t stop me from trying to do my best for my community.