As the year winds down and the calendar teeters on the edge of a fresh start, I find myself in that reflective space—a cozy nook in my brain where I evaluate the past year, dream about the next one, and maybe cringe at a couple of choices along the way. Goals? Sure, I’ve got a few. Changes? Definitely. Improvements? Always. But here’s the thing: while all of this self-reflection feels wonderfully proactive, New Year’s Eve has a sneaky way of turning into a stress fest.
Do I need a goal? A “word of the year”? A personal manifesto written in calligraphy? I’ve dabbled in the “word” trend before, but seriously, picking one single word to define an entire 365 days? That’s a big ask. And frankly, it feels like putting a pair of skinny jeans on my life when I’m really vibing with leggings.
So, this year, I’m keeping it simple. Yes, I have goals, but I’m holding them close for now. Why? Because sometimes when I put my goals out there, it’s like I’ve accidentally handed out free tickets to the pressure show. My husband likes to tease that once I decide to do something, I’m unstoppable—and he’s right. But that can mean I’m more focused on the “doing” than on the “being,” and that’s not always a great trade.
One thing I’m always working on is being present. Yes, I know, groundbreaking. But really, this means less mindless scrolling and more mindful living. As a stay-at-home mom, I’ve realized how much I need outlets—for creativity, connection, and contributing to my family. That might mean picking up more tap dancing (because why not?), writing to inspire others (hello, blog post), or just leaning into the joy of creating something for the sake of creating (that perhaps turns into a little side gig).
My friend Scott Smith, founder of Motivation to Move, has this great question: “What do you do when you’re just doing you?” If no one was watching, how would you spend your time? For me, it’s getting lost in a good book, learning something new, tapping my heart out, and writing pieces like this. These are the things that light me up. The things that make me smile. And honestly, the things that make me a better mom, wife, and friend.
And let’s talk about taking care of this body that carries us through all of it. Moving it, fueling it with good food—and, yes, sometimes indulging in that piece of cake or glass of wine—isn’t just self-care. It’s an act of gratitude for what we’ve got. Movement doesn’t have to be a punishment; it can be a celebration. A dance. A walk. A moment to just be in your body and appreciate it for the incredible, imperfect machine it is.
So, if I had to wrap all this up in a word? Maybe it’s simplicity. Or peace. Or grace. But really, it’s about embracing the mess, finding joy in the little things, and reminding myself that I don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward.
“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” ~Oprah Winfrey
Whatever your step looks like—a goal, a pause, or even a tap-dancing shuffle—just take it. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to laugh, to move, and to savor the sweetness along the way.