I love the new year because it feels like a fresh start. That said, I also think it’s important to remember that you can begin again at any point — not just on January 1st. In 2026, I want to choose quality over quantity, in both relationships and material things. I want slower mornings and peaceful evenings. I want to romanticize my life, even when no one is watching. And I want to be okay with the idea that “success” doesn’t always mean more money or more status.
When I picture my ideal week, I see long dog walks with no time limit — getting lost in neighborhoods or on trails that invite discovery. Quiet mornings, sipping coffee and journaling before the house wakes up. Exercising in ways I genuinely enjoy, not what the world tells me I should enjoy. Home-cooked dinners, recapping the day with my husband, and learning to truly enjoy my mortgage — realizing that what matters most is right under my own roof.
When I step outside unplugged — no phone, no headphones, no music — that’s when I feel most at peace. Without the constant stimulation, there’s nothing pulling at my attention. Truthfully, my own thoughts are distracting enough. But when I make space to sit with them, I’m forced to face what’s really on my mind.
And while January feels endlessly long, I know I’ll blink and it will be June. So as I think about the weeks and months ahead, I want to strive for consistency, not perfection. I want to be proud of letting go when things don’t go as planned, and to remember that pivoting isn’t a failure. I want to enjoy each day as it comes, instead of always looking ahead to the next big thing. Each hour, each day, each week is precious and fleeting. I don’t want to “wait until.” I want to live fully in the exact moment I’m in.
With love,
