Are you a New Year’s goal setter, or do you prefer to adjust and plan as the year unfolds?
If I’m being honest, I’m a little bit of both.
Every New Year’s Day, I like to sit down and dream a little. I map out things I’d love to see happen, both personally and professionally. Then, once the confetti settles and real life kicks back in, I revisit everything on the first Monday of the year and narrow it down to the top three goals I want to focus on right away. From there, it’s all about adjusting—checking things off, shifting priorities, and giving myself grace when plans change.
I’m a huge believer in handwriting goals. There’s just something powerful about putting pen to paper. I use a planner, a notebook, and yes… a whiteboard too. I also started something fun last year called a “26 in 2026” activity list (I began it in 2025), and I’m happy to say I actually checked off quite a few items. Some were simple—like trying one new recipe a month or reading every night (yes, it’s romance novels, but hey… it beats scrolling or watching TV). I’m really looking forward to seeing what I can try this year.
A Month of Gratitude (and Real Talk)
Back in November, I challenged myself to a month of gratitude and random acts of kindness. I’ll be honest—it was harder than I expected. Not impossible, but harder.
Two things really stood out.
First, during many of those moments, Phillip was the person I wanted to call and tell. That absence made some days heavier than I anticipated.
Second, I didn’t plan it out enough ahead of time, which made posting and tracking everything a challenge.
That said, I truly believe any act of kindness—no matter how small—counts. And I did manage to do quite a few things that mattered:
- Brought donuts to Richard’s work
- Bought favorite candies for the Aerial Achievements team
- Sent thoughtful texts to friends
- Wrote Thanksgiving cards
- Held doors open (always!)
- Paid for a coffee or two
- Wore purple for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day
Not perfect. Not flashy. But meaningful.
This year, I plan to set things up earlier and approach gratitude with more intention—and hopefully a little more consistency.
Looking Ahead
So now I’m curious—what do you like to do when it comes to goals, gratitude, or kindness? I’d love to hear new ideas, traditions, or simple things that make your year feel fuller.
Here’s to kicking off 2026 with hope, health, happiness, and just a little bit of magic sprinkled in.
Let’s see where this year takes us.
