So maybe not all the things went as planned in 2025. Or maybe they did. Maybe the ‘good’ is just around the corner for you, in 2026.
We’re not rewriting the past
While we’re in our rest and reflective phase, remember we’re still wintering. We’re thinking back on 2025 not to beat ourselves up or list all the things we said we were going to do but didn’t. Nope. No apologies or shame spirals here.
Instead, we’re thinking about the pivots and turns for 2026.
The moments that counted
Think of a few stand-out moments from 2025. Things that really went well. Maybe it was five things, three, or just one. The number doesn’t matter. It’s the quality of the moment.
Would you want to recreate those? I know I do. So how can you redo, recreate, or reinvent that win in 2026, and maybe more than once if you’re lucky?
Small wins still and will always count
It doesn’t have to be anything grandiose with extra sparkles on the top.
I completed the beta-reader draft of my book in 2025, sliding into first literally on New Year’s Eve around 10-ish PM.
Am I going to recreate a new book in 2026? Heck no. I’m still working on getting this first one out, and it took me forever to get it where it is.
But I did continue to write and post twice a week. Short stories included, my practice-out-loud moments.
I did get to meet up with old friends back home, reconnecting without rushing and laughing loudly in conversations that reminded me who I was before life got too loud.
I continued to make space for quieter moments, deeper thoughts, held fast to those positive switch-ups for my mental health, and saying no without over-explaining.
Those are the things I’m talking about.
Letting go is still progress
We’re still ditching bad habits and repeating the good ones. Not letting back in people who don’t share our values, goals, or direction, and actively choosing to surround ourselves with those who do.
It’s about being present and clear about what we can learn from the past year and improve upon. Going back more than a year, to me, feels like busywork. And I’m not here for it.
And sometimes improvement means absolutely, categorically letting go. The lesson was there. It was loud. It was clear. And now we’re saying buh-bye! See you never!
To welcoming in “All the good”
These are the things we want to continue doing on repeat, expand upon, or introduce others to try for themselves.
We’re still wintering. Still thinking and reflecting. Planning thoughtfully and strategically, with no do-or-die urgency, and in the best possible way.
What I’m claiming in 2026
My carryover from 2025 into 2026 is moving forward with beta readers for my book. These Babes who I’m thanking in tenfold for this mammoth effort, their support, and their wisdom. Then I’ll make those edits and move on to the next steps.
I’ve long known from many authors (read: real authors), that their first book often feels like total and utter rubbish when they look back, especially compared to what came next in their best-seller book arsenals. I’m taking that lesson and using this as a learning experience.
Do I hope my book is rubbish? Of course not. I hope it’s amazing and that people love it. That Oprah and Reese are forced to team up in a special solely dedicated to me. Oops, I’m dreaming while awake, again! But I’m staying realistic, hoping for the best and preparing for the lesson.
My word of 2026 is CLAIM. I’m claiming my book, claiming my passion-project, and claiming that my book is going to be out this year.
Other carryovers
I’m continuing with limited and strategic consumerism. Focusing more on buying and replacing things I truly love and pausing more on those quick-hit purchases. It’s a work in progress and something I may never get 100 percent right, but as long as I get better, that’s the lesson.
I’m also pushing on with the creative side of me, even though I’m not fully sure what that looks like yet. But it’s just for 2026. Not forever. Not part of a five-year plan. Twelve months is enough time to work on me and to determine if I see real progress. I can try something, see if it works or not, and then either improve, pivot, or axe it with no love lost.
