Looking back on 2025, I can honestly say it was a good year for me. And, I don’t say that lightly. In past years, the end of the year has often coincided with the peak of my depression—a time when simply making it through to January felt like an accomplishment in itself.

That’s why ending this year with a sense of gratitude feels especially meaningful. It marks a shift, one I didn’t always believe was possible. I quit using marijuana, I got a new job, and PR-ed in my marathon. More importantly, I began to find my voice and myself. I will always remember 2025 fondly.

For 2026, I’m choosing a word for the year. I’ve done this in the past, and it’s a practice that genuinely works for me. Having a single word helps anchor my goals without making them feel overwhelming or all-or-nothing. Picking a word for each year serves as a theme that can guide my actions and choices throughout the year.

I’ve tried New Year’s resolutions before, but they’re usually too rigid. Instead of motivating me, they often end up setting me up for disappointment and frustration—so I’m choosing a more flexible, intentional approach by choosing a word each year. 

For a long time, consistency felt out of reach. Relapses and mental health crises have a way of dismantling routines, plans, and even the best intentions. When you’re just trying to survive, showing up every day—in the same way, with any sense of stability—can feel impossible. I spent years starting over, rebuilding, and then watching everything fall apart again. Consistency wasn’t a goal; it was a luxury.

Now that I am sober, consistency is less difficult—but that doesn’t mean it’s not still challenging. Sobriety doesn’t magically fix everything. What sobriety does give me is the chance to show up more often than not. It gives me clarity, energy, and the ability to keep promises to myself, even on hard days. Still, consistency remains a practice, not a guarantee. But, being reliable for myself is more important than ever to me.

The longer I stay sober, the more I crave consistency—not in a rigid, perfectionist-driven way, but in a grounding one. I crave steady mornings, regular movement, honest check-ins with my mental health, and the quiet reassurance that comes from doing small things over and over again. Consistency has started to feel less like pressure and more like safety.

For me, consistency in 2026 means focusing on progress over perfection. It means returning to routines when I fall off instead of giving up entirely. It means understanding that some days will be slower, softer, or messier than others—and that still counts. Consistency doesn’t mean doing everything right; it means continuing to show up for myself.

After years of chaos, inconsistency, and survival mode, choosing consistency feels radical. It feels like an act of self-trust. And for the first time in a long time, it feels possible.

I’ve also created a list (not rigid) to help motivate me this year!

*Make sure I eat three meals a day. As a runner, this is really important to do. When I skip meals, I feel awful and light headed. I need to be more mindful of how much protein I consume daily. My goal is 130 grams per day.

*Drink at least a gallon of water a day. When I don’t stick to my water routine, I get headaches and have low energy. 

*Sleep 7-8 hrs a day. This is my sweet spot for optimal health.

*Strength Training 3x a week 

*Yoga 3-4 times a week

*Book in my purse at all times

*Write at least 100 words a day

*Visit at least one Michigan state park per month

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Do you have a word for 2026?

Do New Year’s resolutions work for you? 

What are your goals for this year?

Drop any lists of goals you may have!