2026 Resolutions
2025. What.a.year. It was very mentally draining. Of course, there were highlights, largely brought to me by my family (especially my son) and friends. As far as resolutions go, I couldn’t even remember what mine were. As I looked back to see, I realized I haven’t written on here in a year. A YEAR!!! I’ve written a good amount for work, but that isn’t the same. Let 2025 be the only year that ever happens.
Ok, let’s see how I did with my 2025 Resolutions (notes are in bold):
2025 Resolutions!!
Wellness: I am hoping to increase the frequency at which I workout. Right now, work schedules dictate my frequency. If Brett is on a trip, I have nobody to watch our son so that I can attend pilates (which I still love). So, I’d like to start doing some at-home workouts to bridge these gaps. I accomplished this resolution. My ability to be consistent still isn’t perfect due to a lack of childcare and a traveling husband. But I worked out more than I did in 2024. I’m starting to contemplate early workouts (like 6am(ish)). I’m not sure I’m ready to commit, but the fact that I’m even considering it is telling me I truly need to do more.
Reading: Just like the last 2 years, I want to read as much as I can! Mission Accomplished! In 2025, I read 25 books. I know there are people who read over 100 books per year, but I’m honestly very happy with my 25.
Photography: Honestly, I just want to pick up my camera more. Take more photos of my son, and other things/people I love with it. I almost feel like I have the equivalent of writer’s block with photography right now. The fact is that I need to pick the beast up and use it. It’s sometimes really that simple. I did it. I picked up my damn camera. And loved every second. I am still nowhere close to where I’d like to be with frequency, but there is no longer a thin layer of dust accumulating on my Nikon.
Painting: I miss it. It’s been since 2018/2019 since I’ve painted which is crazy to me. One thing I’m going to do is allocate some space in our living room for my easel and also set up a little art area for our son. If we do it together, I’m not sacrificing either. So I did set up a fantastic art space for my son. I have made sure he can create art as much as he pleases (which is often!). I think I underestimated how much supervision/help he would still need at this stage. It doesn’t excuse a year of no art, but it’s hard to build routines and rituals when your schedule isn't in your control. That’s ok. I’m truly happy that my son is fostering a love of art!
Career: This one is tricky. Remember the fork I mentioned? Over the next couple of months, I expect some cards to fall (for better or for worse). I trust the universe enough to understand I’ll be where I’m supposed to be. The universe spoke up. It was at the very last second, and while I was a +1 on a President's Club trip, that my girlfriend was awarded. But in proper 2025 form, I began to see another fork in the road at a distance.
Onwards to 2026 Resolutions!
Fitness: My goal is to try a morning routine to help with frequency. My hope is to work out Mondays, Fridays, and one other day. I’m also considering a walking pad for when I’m too lazy to walk across the street to the gym. I don’t mind a basement workout and have been most consistent with that structure.
Food: I would like to refocus my meals and cooking towards more wholesome foods. I love a lot of the Whole30 recipes and also many Plant-Based recipes. I do this in spurts, but I need to set aside some time each week for meal planning. I also want/need Brett to be more involved in the planning so I don’t spontaneously combust when asked, “What’s for dinner?”
Financially: I would like to decrease the amount of shopping we do at Whole Foods. This one is tough because it’s our most convenient option, and when you have two working parents with busy jobs, convenience is critical. But we spend a stupid amount of money here. We want to shift our shopping to Dave’s Marketplace. It’s not the cheapest, but it is undoubtedly better than Whole Foods, and they have excellent produce (which is another reason we’ve shopped at WF).
Reading: Read as much as I can! Keeping this one simple and not adding any quota around it, so I never feel rushed. I’d also like to do a yearly recap of my favorite books!
Photography: If time opens up, I want to take a proper course or a few lessons. I feel like I don’t know what I don’t know and would love some guidance to open my eyes! If time doesn’t allow, I still want to increase how often I take Big Bertha (my Nikon) out.
Painting: Ok, the child is set up. Maybe this is the year I pick up my paintbrushes again. Plus, there are spaces in my house where I want to hang art. It’s way cheaper for me to create my own (especially larger-scale pieces, which is what I want most). Girl math.
Career: My goal is to ruthlessly pursue what makes me happy. I also want to open my mind to things I’ve never considered before. Even if no action is taken, I think it’s so good to see what is out there.
Marriage: New category! I want Brett and I to work together to better carve off solo time for things like working out, and push each other to do it! Sometimes we carve out time for the other to attend a workout class, but then we feel too tired from the day to go. I think we need to start nudging each other more. We are better people when we take care of ourselves.
