2026 is now less than 2 days away! Coming to grips with the new year should involve looking ahead. This is the perfect time to try and let go of all the less than pleasant features of 2025.

But letting go isn’t always easy, is it? In some ways it’s an issue of relinquishing control. Stop gripping so tightly. Tell life what you want, but let the universe decide how and when. Surrendering control opens the path for things to flow.

Letting go of 2025 requires a reflective process of releasing past burdens to make space for personal growth and a more positive future. To do this, identify what no longer serves you and use either a physical or mental approach to symbolically get rid of the “garbage”.

One good method is to write a metaphorical letter addressing a part of yourself holding onto a burden, thank it, and then let it know it is safe to let go. Then safely burn the letter, tear it into pieces and throw it away or bury it as a symbolic act. Then take a few deep breaths and notice how you feel after releasing the burden(s).

Letting go is a profound act of transformation. It’s a signal of surrender, which shows that you trust the process and what’s yet to unfold. Letting go also creates space for what’s meant to come in. And remember, strength comes from focusing on our own path and letting go of the unnecessary noise.

Looking Forward

From historic anniversaries to major global events, there are at least three notable events for the United States (US) coming in 2026 to which we can look forward.

February-April, 2026, Artemis II is targeted for a launch no earlier than February 5, 2026, with the mission scheduled for no later than April 2026. The exact date will depend on factors like technical readiness, the moon’s position, and Earth/space weather. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence at the Moon for science and exploration through Artemis.

July 4, 2026, marks America’s Semi-quincentennial, celebrating 250 years of independence. This will be a huge national event, with large-scale celebrations, historical commemorations, and economic opportunities tied to tourism and patriotism.

July 11-19, 2026, The United States is co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament with Canada and Mexico. Eleven US cities will host matches, including the final at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey on July 19, 2026.

Yes, there are many other global events but I’m pretty excited about the 250^th anniversary for the US. But what about significant events, tasks or projects in our personal lives? Perhaps a “bucket list” of sorts  is in order…

Lighthouse List

This is more than just any ordinary list; it’s a guiding light (see what I did there?!? 😊) for things you want to see/accomplish in the new year.

1. Learn a skill that scares you a little — Choose something that makes your heart race just thinking about it, then dive in headfirst. It can be learning a new digital scrapbooking technique that seems a bit “out of your league”, participating in an online scrapbook challenge, taking a challenging class, or working toward becoming a designer.

2. Write morning pages for an entire month — Pick whichever month screams “journaling” to you, and every morning, sit down to create a “morning page” each day. These pages could become inspiration for beautiful layouts!

3. Learn calligraphy or beautiful handwriting — In this digital era that we’re in, gorgeous handwriting feels like a superpower. So, why not try your hand at it? Imagine how good your thank you notes will look 😉 And if you’re able, make digital copies of some writings and use them on layouts.

4. Take up urban sketching — Go out in the city (or even nature). Just draw places like coffee shops, street corners, and people waiting for buses. Basically, draw whatever you see in front of you. It’s meditative, and it also trains you to absorb the details of the world around you more closely.

5. Take a solo trip somewhere you’ve never been — There’s something so powerful about navigating a new place entirely on your own terms. You’ll make no compromises on where to eat or what to see. It’s an amazing way to discover yourself and what you want from life.

6. Attend a festival you’ve never heard of — Skip the mainstream events and find something wonderfully weird and local, like quirky food celebrations, and art installations in unexpected places. And even if you have to travel a little to attend it, plan for it and make it happen. We’re here to create good and lasting memories, after all.

These are just a start. I’m certain you can come up with a lot more things for your list.

Ready, Set, Go…

Bucket lists are not just for your future. They’re also for deciding who you want to become and then taking steps to meet that person.

Pick some things that stretch your world, some that really challenge you, some that bring you joy, some that connect you to others, and at least one or two that make you a little nervous with excitement.

At the end of 2026, the question isn’t going to be whether you checked off every single item on your list. It’s going to be whether you lived fully, loved deeply, and said yes to the adventures that called to your heart.

Musical Send Off

Here’s to 2026 with all the ups and downs, the highs and lows – the new unknown. As I typed those words, I was reminded of a very appropriate song to gift you for the new year.

“Into Faith I Go” by Pat Barrett. This is more than a song to me it is an anthem of sorts. It always reminds me that I need to be open to the great unknown and have faith that someone is always beside me every single step that I take.

Click here or on the image directly above to hear more about walking forward. I hope it will inspire you to be courageous as we embark on a brand-new year with hopes for better days.

Thanks for reading this week’s ponderings. Remember, if you have any suggestions or questions please don’t hesitate to “Message Me“. Check back next week for my traditional start to the new year! Click “Follow Me” to stay in touch. I hope you have a wonderful week!