Closing One Cycle, Opening Another - 2026
A Warm Beginning
Warm air clung to my skin, heavy with humidity. The sound of water cascaded nearby as I lay grounded—one hand on my heart, one on my belly—feeling held by Mother Earth. I was in Costa Rica, attending a yoga retreat that would quietly reshape how I approach new beginnings.
During a guided meditation, our instructor invited us into a visual garden. We were asked to notice what was dying off, what needed clearing, and what was ready to be replanted. Not everything in the garden was meant to stay—but with care, intention, and space, it could flourish again.
From that meditation came a powerful idea: instead of resolutions, choose a word—not a rule, not pressure, but a gentle guide to return to throughout the year.
From Resolutions to Words
In another workshop, journaling took center stage. We wrote freely, responding to thoughtful prompts, and were encouraged to choose a word and pair it with a quote. The suggestion was simple but impactful: set a daily alarm with that word as a reminder.
I chose 2:22 PM—a small, friendly pause in the day to check in with myself.
Over time, my “one word” evolved. It became two words. Then patterns emerged. Then awareness of the senses. Rather than forcing meaning, I allowed it to unfold.
Here are a few examples—not as prescriptions, but as inspiration while you discover your own:
Focus & Freedom
Strength & Stability
Authenticity, Bravery & Communication
Be Present (checking in with all five senses)
For me, all of these wove together into one overarching intention for the year:
To feel good—emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
A Gentle Ritual to Begin
Before diving into goals or plans, begin by creating space.
Find a quiet place where you feel comfortable
Light a candle
Put on soft music or sit in silence
Take a few moments to breathe and settle into your body
Allow yourself to drop in. Let the words flow without judgment.
Reflection Prompts for the Year Ahead
Use these prompts as a starting point. You don’t need to answer them all at once—return to them throughout January (or the year).
1. Clarity & Desire
What do I truly want this year?
Why do I want it?
How do I want to feel while pursuing it?
2. Vision & Dreams
What was my childhood dream job?
What feels like a dream now?
What am I already knowledgeable or experienced in?
Tip: Vision boards can be a powerful way to keep your intentions visible—somewhere you’ll see them daily.
Core Values Check-In
Our values shift as we grow. Revisit them intentionally.
List your top 10 core values right now
Narrow them down to your top 3
Expand on what each of those means to you
Reflect: What do I currently do that aligns with these values?
From here, create a few attainable goals that honor those values.
Commitment to Self (Without Reinventing the Wheel)
Growth doesn’t have to be lonely or overwhelming.
Listen to podcasts
Take classes or workshops
Learn from people already doing what inspires you
If someone else is living a life you admire, that’s evidence it’s possible for you too.
Limiting Beliefs & Reframing
Take time to list your limiting beliefs:
Self-doubt
Fear of failure
Feeling “behind” or unqualified
Now gently flip the script.
Replace them with affirming truths. You’re training your brain to recognize new possibilities.
Daily Gratitude & Affirmations
Write gratitude statements as if your goals are already unfolding
“Thank you for the clarity I feel each morning…”Place sticky notes on your mirror
Recite affirmations daily
Set a phone alarm as a loving reminder of your word(s) for the year
Small, consistent reminders create lasting change.
One Final (Very Important) Reminder
Loosely schedule joy.
Block out time for:
Rest
Travel
Connection
Fun
If you don’t, life can slip into a repetitive cycle of work and obligation. We don’t work just to get by—we work to live, to create memories, and to experience fulfillment.
Let this year be one where you make space for all of it.
A Powerful Reflection Practice (Inspired by Mel Robbins)
One of the most impactful ways to move forward with clarity is to first look back—honestly and compassionately. Inspired by Mel Robbins’ reflection practice, this exercise invites you to review the previous year not through judgment, but through awareness.
Before thinking about what you want for 2026, take time to truly review 2025.
Step One: Review the Year
Grab your phone and open:
Your camera roll
Your calendar
Your saved memories, notes, or journal entries
Let the year replay visually. Notice the moments that stand out—both big and small.
Reflect and journal on these prompts:
What drained me in 2025?
What lit me up in 2025?
What did I learn from the challenges?
What did I learn from the successes?
Step Two: Find the Patterns
As you review your answers, begin to look for themes.
What activities, people, or commitments consistently energized you?
What situations or habits repeatedly left you feeling depleted?
This is not about blame—it’s about information. Awareness gives you choice.
Step Three: Create Intentional Shifts for 2026
Using what you’ve learned, answer the following:
What will I STOP doing in 2026?
What will I CONTINUE doing in 2026?
What will I START doing in 2026?
Keep these shifts realistic and aligned with how you want to feel—not just what you think you should do.
Closing the Cycle
As you step into 2026, remember: you’re tending a garden. Some things are ready to grow. Some are ready to rest. And some are ready to be released.
Move gently. Return to your word. And allow yourself to flourish in your own time.
