there is magic in new beginnings.

A new year has arrived. Thank goodness! 2025 was a difficult year for myself and a lot of other people that I know...so it is nice to leave that year behind and cross my fingers for a fresh start. I came across this quote the other day, "There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind," and I sincerely hope that is true. We all deserve health, happiness, peace, and love. Though it is unknown what 2026 has in store, right now, we can look at this blank page with a renewed sense of optimism. 

In my first post of 2025, there was some reflection on the year before and a statement about what I wanted 2025 to look like. Essentially, my hope was that 2025 would be a year of creativity and rebuilding. That isn't what ended up happening. Shortly after that post was written, a family member ended up in the hospital for the first time. There were several lengthy hospital stays, appointments, procedures, and tests in the remainder of 2025. There were also emergency room visits, procedures, tests, appointments, and surgeries for two other family members in more recent months. With so much fear and uncertainty, my ability to be creative and focus on my personal goals was inconsistent at best. I was in survival mode a lot of the time. 

All that said, there were some meaningful and memorable moments in 2025. My husband and I went to Walt Disney World to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary. There were all sorts of fantastic concerts that I was lucky enough to attend, including KATSEYE, David Archuleta, My Chemical Romance, Debbie Gibson, and the Pop 2000s Tour. There were television shows, movies, and makeup products that added joy to even the most difficult days. There were a few friends who listened, showed up, and made me feel seen. There were books that allowed me to escape every now and then. There were nights with my husband watching episodes of Hell's Kitchen on the couch. Even in the midst of so much sadness...there was still a lot to be grateful for. I am lucky to have a job that I love, a roof over my head, and a little more hope in my heart than I did before. 

When it comes to 2026, there is a lot of uncertainty about what is ahead. I know what I want the year to look like, but after everything that happened last year, it seems best to take things a day at a time. However, there are some resolutions and goals that are weighing on my heart. Like finishing the various writing projects that I have started, being more consistent with my workout routines, reading more of the books that I have purchased and been gifted, and spending more time on crafts and other fun activities. Less doom scrolling on my phone, less social media, and more of what makes me happy.

One of the actresses from my soap opera, Beyond The Gates, posted a film on her YouTube channel earlier this year. Ambyr Michelle shared, "The Little Girl Inside," and the movie has stuck with me ever since. There was one line in particular... "What if I never become her?" That line is what I hope will fuel my decisions and actions in 2026. I know who I am and who I want to be. It is time to close the gap and take steps to "become her." Time is precious and I want to make the most of my days. 

I don't know what 2026 will look like for me or for anyone else, but my hope is that it will be wonderful. Happy New Year! 

This content is from the-creationofbeauty.blogspot.com. If it is posted elsewhere, it has been stolen.

Do you have any resolutions for the year? What do you hope 2026 will look like?