I like the clean slate that comes with a new year. I enjoy reflecting on the past year in terms of what worked and didn’t, what I would like more of or less of. I like looking ahead to what the new year could bring, but keeping in mind I didn’t magically become a new person when the clock struck midnight to 2026.
This year, here are three things I am embracing to honor what I need and work toward our family goes.
Prioritizing My Hobbies and Self-Care
When life gets overwhelming, it never fails that my self-care and hobbies are the first to go…by no one’s choice but my own. And I desperately want that to be different this year.
During stressful times, I tend to spend my last bits of energy trying to tackle the home, family and work to-do lists… or doom scrolling (not proud, but it’s the truth!).
I should plan to reserve some of my energy for activities I find restorative and restful – things that will help me preserve and create more energy. I would like to embrace this more intentionally this year for the sake of my own mental health and for all who rely on me at home and at work.
My hobbies and self-care include reading, writing, planning, journaling, baking, watching YouTube, listening to podcasts, exercising, and puzzle games. More of this in 2026!
Preparing for Our Family’s Next Phase
Sharing this for the first time outside of family and friends… we have decided to homeschool our sons for middle school!
We made this choice for a variety of reasons that I’ll likely share more about in a future post.
What this means is that I have less than 18 months to prepare for the start of homeschool and resign from my job to support this family goal and phase of our life.
It’s scary to pivot away from everything I’ve worked toward since I was a teenager. I worked day and night for the straight A’s that led me to the #1 public university in the country, a master’s degree, and a very rewarding 15-year career in higher education administration.
How do I just walk away from that?
By having a crystal clear vision for our family, our values, and our priorities as well as trust in my ability to return to my career or build a new one. I have faith in God for this next phase and feel peace to take this incredibly scary leap.
Here’s to tons of prep work ahead!
Evolving Out Loud
This was once a space where I shared the ins and outs of life – both for the sake of my own emotional and mental processing and for the intent of others not feeling alone in the various journeys of life.
I want to return to that – so much in my life is evolving and I would like to evolve out loud again. I truly believe there is power in sharing your story – the pain, struggles, transitions, changes, wins, dreams, and everything in between. Here’s to embracing this again in 2026!
Woah! Seeing that all written together sure looks like a lofty 2026… yet gives me clear guiding principles for my time and energy this year. Let’s go!
What are you embracing this new year? Stand in trust and faith that God goes before us this year, and we are not alone. 🩶
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