New Year, New Me?

Happy 2026! Since I last posted, it’s been a bit of a blur . . .

Between family gatherings, time with friends, and quietly building what’s next in my professional career, the holiday season offered both pause and momentum. I spent time taking care of two sick boys who thankfully were on the mend by Christmas, enjoying rides on new bikes from Santa, and building gingerbread houses and sandcastles.

As 2026 is underway, I’m feeling energized – and while I don’t make resolutions, I do welcome the new year as a moment to make positive changes, set intentions, and move forward thoughtfully (last year I actually did have a word, which was courage - I certainly ran with that in 2025!)

Here are a few things I am working on for 2026.

A New Evening Routine:

What I added to my evening routine checks many boxes for me as it provides tangible results, rids my mind and space of clutter, and is something I can directly control. My old routine was to sort of straighten up things around the house, put the kids to bed, get ready for bed, then collapse in bed.

Now, I’m approaching it the same way, but reframing “straightening up” as a thoughtful reset for the next day, paired with a little quiet time in the evening. For me, this means taking the time to put toys etc. away (with two boys, there is so much stuff!), clearing off counters, cleaning the kitchen (not a deep clean, but enough to make a difference), and quickly vacuuming the rooms where we live the most.

Then I light a candle and settle in - maybe a podcast, a few pages of a book or magazine, a scroll through social media, or a bit of TV while I may also tackle the laundry or the dishwasher. The key difference is simple: none of it happens in bed – I am up, but it’s cozy and low key while being productive. Another key shift in my lifestyle is making sure I actually have the energy for this (and being present with my family), which means prioritizing healthier habits overall.

Back to the earlier mention about having a task (cleaning) that I can control - has anyone else come across Taryn Smith on social media? She is currently rowing solo across the Atlantic and I am all in on cheering her on and learning about her journey along the way. In one post / update, she mentioned that after a tough time out on the water, she coped by cleaning her boat, which was something tangible she could control when the winds, weather, and everything else felt out of her hands (and also “a clean boat is a happy boat.”) I totally felt that! Give Taryn a follow - I love her energy and stories.

The Alarm Before the Alarm:

Just because I am a morning person doesn’t mean it’s easy for me to get out of bed. Pretty much every day, I’d wake to the sound of the alarm and sit in bed - not falling back asleep, but mentally running through things like schedules, school lunches, what to wear, and work emails. Sometimes heavier topics bubble up, like what in the world am I doing starting a business, worrying about a family member, or thinking about finances. Now, I set my alarm for thirty minutes earlier than needed, intentionally building that time into my morning routine, which keeps everything on schedule, and, as a result, far smoother and relaxed. The next step is setting it even earlier - making room for a workout.

Mindful Purchases:

Ok, so this one isn’t a choice, but rather a necessity as saving money anywhere I can is a must as I get a new business off the ground. Like so many others, I really enjoy shopping for my wardrobe and anything for my closet. Whether it’s pre-loved, vintage, or new, I just love discovering (and purchasing – eek!) clothes and accessories. I recently saw the itch to go shopping referred to as getting “the shoppies,” which I can relate to. I probably make this a goal every year, but 2026 is going to be much different, so I plan to think three times or more before purchasing something. Stay tuned for what makes the cut and into my closet!

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Do you have any new year resolutions or goals for 2026? I likely will have more, but this is a start!

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