Before I start writing, I'm taking a breath - a breath I've owed myself for last two years, if not longer. A minute to actually pause and reflect, something I haven't done at all. I truly am a prime example of someone who goes through the motions and just wakes up day after day making sure everything's done and that everyone's okay. I've spent my whole life, but mainly the last few years, focusing on just managing it all, without actually processing. I make sure all the t's are crossed and i's are dotted, and that everything on the list of what to remember is checked off. I put other people's needs before my own, only to regret it later. I've gone out of my way so many times for so long to make sure everyone around me was happy, comfortable, excited, and for the most part I will continue creating happiness for the people who I want to make happy, but what I won't continue with is being last on my own list. I need to be my own top priority.
So that brings me here. It's finally a new year. 2024 came and turned my world upside down, 2025 tried to be better, and it halfway succeeded, but I still found myself giving too much, carrying weight that wasn't mine to carry, and shrinking myself into spaces and places that I wasn't comfortable in. I've smiled and kept the peace, I've said okay when I've wanted to say no, and I've doubted myself and my strength too many times, but all of that ends now. I won't let 2026 be anything less than my year.
My year. My year to be the healthiest, happiest, most selfish person I've been in a long time. I've made a promise to myself to focus on my needs, my fitness, my mental health, my little family, my work, my peace, and to make an effort for those who make an effort for me. I want to be able to show up as the strongest version of myself that I've ever been, both physically and mentally. I want my kids and my husband to look at me and see how hard I try and to feel proud that I'm theirs. I want them to see that I won't tolerate disrespect towards them or myself. I want to look in the mirror and see my gains, and then see something even deeper - a person who is finally saying no to both who and what doesn't serve me, and saying yes to everything that will nourish the person I've always been meant to be.
2026 is the year to stop tolerating anything but happiness, respect, and success. It's the year to stop goal chasing and to start accomplishing. To stop dreaming so much and to start doing - to genuinely feel at peace when I wake up and go to sleep, and I want to love who I am both on the outside and inside. I want to travel to places that are good for my soul, and I want to make memories with the people I enjoy being around. I want to make my circle smaller, and if you don't make the cut, then oh-well.
As Mel Robbins says, if anyone wants to judge me, let them. And let me do what I want with my one wild and precious life.
2026 year belongs to me, my little family, my best friends and all the people I've yet to meet, the ones that will cross my path for a reason. I've never been more excited for a new year. Bring it the F on.
