01/07/2026: This One’s For You

After a long and fulfilling holiday break, the new year is here. This being my first week back to real life, I had a lot of expectations for how things should go from now on, and I’m happy that I’ve accomplished all of my goals in some shape or form each day so far. 

I decided to reframe my morning routine so that I actually have time to ease into the day, and I think that has helped me a lot already. Actually tasting my breakfast and morning tea, meditating, and doing a start of week check-in journal entry has worked wonders for my wellbeing as the days go on. Who knew that slowing down and simplifying was still the answer?

It’s hard to remember this when you’ve been hitting the ground running for longer than you can remember; I’ve either been travelling or hosting for a month straight. And as I sit here at my favorite Denver coffee shop for the first Wednesday morning of the year for the first time in forever, I’m able to enjoy what I’ve been missing since I’ve been running around nonstop: peace and stillness, calm and slowness. 

This year, I’m trying to do all things with intention and I’m trying to feel gratitude for all the things in between. At the end of last year, I found myself happy to be surrounded by friends and loved ones, yet longing for that intentional support and enthusiasm I wish I had more of in regards to my creative journey. It almost feels like that saying (and I’m paraphrasing a little), “All this water and not a drop to drink.” All these loved ones and not one to wholeheartedly believe in you.

I know people say they do, because that’s the easy part. And in no way is this a slight; it’s merely a somber observation I had. That’s just how it goes. We care about our own things, as we should, and sometimes there’s no time for much else. So to this I say, I hope, at the very least, that everyone is doing their best to make that time fulfilling, to take that time to focus on self care and to learn and grow in whatever way they need right now. And I genuinely hope that whatever seeds you may have planted—or plan to plant this year—are nurtured well, and I hope the harvest is bountiful. 

I think we could all use some good in our lives and in our world right about now. As 2026 shapes up to be a lot of the same in so many ways, I hope that you can find it in yourself to turn off the news, to stop doomscrolling and to stop worrying about things out of your control. I hope that you find more time for peace and stillness, for the sake of your sanity and your growth. I hope you take a moment to taste that morning coffee, to recenter your thoughts and your soul before you dive into the mess of the day. I’ll be working on me right alongside you, and I’ll be cheering you on from afar. 

To those that know, I just want to say thank you for everything. This year’s going to be amazing. 

And this one’s for you.