As the calendar turns to 2026, I find myself craving less noise and more meaning. Maybe that is because this is the year I turn 50 years young. (Yeah you heard me, not sure I heard myself, but saying that out loud is certainly something else!)
Not a dramatic overhaul. Not a perfectly color-coded planner. Just a gentler way of living that fits into real life-- the kind with transporting kids to and from things, laundry piles, half-finished cups of coffee and kids who need us in the middle of everything.
This year, I'm choosing simple living.
For me, that doesn't mean doing less out of laziness or lowering expectations. It means doing what matters with intention, and letting go of what doesn't. It means building my days around small habits that support the life I'm already living, instead of chasing some future version of myself who has it all figured out.
The Power of Daily Habits
Instead of big resolutions, I'm focusing on daily practices- tiny anchors that ground me when life feels rushed or overwhelming.
Drinking water.
It sounds almost too simple, but caring for my body starts here. Before I can pour into my kids, my work, or my home, I need to remember that my own needs matter too. A full water bottle on the counter feels like a small promise to myself: I'm paying attention.
Being mindful of time.
Not in a productivity-obsessed way, but in a presence-focused way. Time is one of the most precious things we give our families, and I don't want to spend it constantly distracted or rushing through moments that won't come back. I'm learning to slow down--pausing before saying yes, leaving space between tasks and allowing rest to be part of the plan.
Being present.
This one is harder than it sounds. Presence looks like putting the phone down when my child is talking. It looks like listening without multitasking. It look slike noticing the ordinary magic-- inside jokes, quiet car rids, bedtime conversations that stretvh longer than planned. These are the moments that build a life, even though they don't look impressive from the outside.
Letting Growth Be Quiet.
There is also a larger goal I'm carrying into 2026-- one that matters deeply to me-- but I'm not ready to share just yet.
Not because it's secretive, but because some things need time to grow quietly.
Motherhood has taught me that not everything needs to be announced to be meaningful. Some dreams are better nurtured in private, protected from outside noise and expectations. I'm allowing myself the freedom to work toward this goal slowly, intentionally, and imperfectly--trusting that when the time is right, it will make sense to share.
Choosing "Enough"
This year, I'm releasing the pressure to do more, be more, and prove more.
Instead, I'm choosing enough.
Enough effort.
Enough grace.
Enough Presence.
I want my kids to see a mom who lives with intention--not one who is constantly chasing the next thing, but one who values what's right in front of her. I want our home to feel calm, even on loud days. I want my life to feel aligned, even when it is messy.
2026 isn't about perfection. It's about paying attention. It's about building a life through small daily choices that add up over time.
And if all I do this year is drink my water, show up fully, protect my time, and quietly work toward what matters most--then I believe that will be more than enough.
Here's to simply living into the new year.
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