Peace Over Performance : What I’m Carrying With Me Into 2026
As the year comes to a close, I always find myself thinking about resolutions, even though I rarely stick to them in the traditional sense. Waiting for January 1st to suddenly become a new version of myself feels a little like a cop-out. Growth doesn’t happen on a calendar date.
As I get older, I’ve realized that evolution happens gradually. Quietly. Through awareness, healing, and honest reflection.
This past year, I’ve done a lot of introspection – and yes, that is a word – and in many ways, I feel like I already started my “resolution phase” months ago. What I want now isn’t a dramatic overhaul. I want to enter 2026 carrying the calm, grounded energy I’ve been cultivating.
The version of me who slows down.
Who pauses to notice the small things.
Who takes care of herself – not as an afterthought, but as a priority.
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Listening to My Body Changed Everything
Earlier this year, I dealt with back issues that were both frustrating and eye-opening. The truth is, they aren’t going away – and pushing through them only makes things worse. The only option is to slow down, pace myself, and respect my limits.
And once I accepted that with my body, something clicked.
If I can listen to my body with compassion, I can do the same in other areas of my life – my schedule, my expectations, my energy.
That realization became the foundation for everything else.
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Choosing Mindful Hobbies Over Constant Hustle
As part of taking care of my body, I decided it was time to take better care of my mind too. I wanted a hobby, not something productive, not something monetized, but something I genuinely looked forward to.
Over the past few months, I’ve taken:
•A bonsai class through Bonsai Bar
•A pottery throwing class at Wish Upon a Jar
I also had my eye on a mosaic art class, but after seeing the cost, I realized I could start at home. I found a beginner-friendly mosaic kit on Amazon and decided to explore it at my own pace – no pressure, no expectations.
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What Bonsai Taught Me About Life
Bonsai, in particular, has been incredibly grounding.
You trim the tree – then you wait.
You make intentional cuts – then you let it recover.
Nothing is rushed. Nothing is wasted.
Every action has purpose.
It’s almost the opposite of the culture we live in – the constant “hurry up and wait,” the pressure to do more, be more, move faster.
Working with bonsai puts me into a flow state – that rare feeling where time fades away and your mind fully settles into the present moment.
I hadn’t felt that in a long time.
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Finding Flow Again
Years ago, I used to feel that same sense of focus and presence when I practiced Muay Thai. That “in the zone” feeling where your mind clears and your body takes over.
I never thought I’d find that again, especially not through something quiet and gentle.
But pottery, bonsai, and creative work have given it back to me.
They require patience.
They demand attention.
They reward stillness.
And they remind me that mindfulness doesn’t have to be intense to be powerful.
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The Energy I’m Bringing Into 2026
As I move into the new year, this is the energy I’m choosing:
•Pausing when I need to
•Slowing down without guilt
•Creating space to decompress
•Practicing self-care without justification
•Sitting with my thoughts instead of outrunning them
Presence over pressure.
Alignment over achievement.
That’s what I’m carrying with me into 2026.
And maybe that’s not a resolution, maybe it’s a return.
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Final Reflection
If you’re feeling called to slow down too, start small.
One pause.
One boundary.
One creative outlet.
You don’t need to overhaul your life, just make enough space to hear yourself again.
What are you hoping to carry into the new year?
I’d love to know.
Peace Performance T-Shirt – Retro Collegiate Graphic Tee