Welcome to 2026, LFT family! I know I’m a few weeks late, but better late than never, right? I usually make a vision board every December and talk about my goals in my first post of the new year. However, I didn’t make one this time around because I wasn’t okay physically or mentally in December. Thankfully, I’m feeling better physically, but I’m still navigating the mental part. If or when I’m ready, I hope you’ll allow me to share more of what’s on my heart.
Considering the state of the world and everything that has happened in recent months, along with balancing my responsibilities in both my professional and personal life, creating a vision board didn’t feel authentic to me this year. I won’t say I’ve given up hope for the future or the state of the world, but I simply don’t have the energy for elaborate hopes and dreams, or for expressing them creatively.
Simplicity
Let me be clear: I am not lacking in ambition. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. I have a lot of ideas for blog post topics swirling around in my head, and I want to continue growing like I always have. However, this year, I want simplicity. I want to focus on happiness, but not the loud or performative kind of happiness often seen on social media. I want joy in the quiet moments of my life.
To me, happiness looks like having energy at the end of the day, sleeping peacefully throughout the night, being understood, and feeling emotionally safe. What better way to keep that at the forefront of my mind than to make it my only priority this year? So instead of a vision board, I’m choosing to check in with myself by asking questions like, “Does this bring me joy?” or “How can I seek out joy today?” Finding joy in different areas of my life will hopefully bring forth a better version of me — one that doesn’t feel like it is constantly in survival mode. One that can show up authentically and be encouraging, both on the pages of this blog and in my everyday life.
Final Thoughts
At first, I felt incredibly guilty about not making a vision board. It’s a tradition I’ve kept up with for five years, and it has always helped me feel grounded as I step into a new year. But after reflecting throughout January, I realized that I don’t always need visual confirmation that I have a clear vision of the future. Perhaps I’ll feel differently going into 2027, but for now, knowing that I want to prioritize happiness is enough for me.
If you’re finding yourself in a similar place of desiring more simplicity or seeking joy in your life, I invite you to take a moment to self-reflect. Ask yourself, “What truly matters?” or “What brings me peace?” Don’t just settle for what sounds good when you say it out loud to yourself or to others; think about what genuinely brings you joy, even in small ways. Then, consider how you can hold yourself accountable to making that a reality. You don’t necessarily need a vision board, but rather the ability to give yourself permission to put yourself first.
If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear how you’re approaching your goals this year, whether that is making a vision board, taking things day by day, or something else entirely. Feel free to share in the comments!
“Instead of adding things for more happiness, try subtracting them.” — Unknown
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