An unconventional New Years message

We've grown up believing that January 1st is when we must set all our goals for the new year. We're told we must have it all figured out so we can become a 'better' version of ourselves, because who we are right now isn't enough. I'm here to hold your hand while I say this....you don't have to have it all figured out in the dead of winter. 

Nor should you.

Winter was never meant for restriction, it was meant for rest, re-charging, deep nourishment, and hibernation. 

Not for overexertion. Not for starving ourselves. Our bodies are wired to reset with increasing daylight just like nature. It's a time to slowly build back up again.

Build energy.

Build resilience.

Build up immunity. 

My Goddess, it's a struggle for me to even get out of bed before 9am at this time of the year. The Earth is cold, the Sun is scarce, and for some of us, snow simply makes it hard to get around. 

So...I've come to decide (like many others have, too) that the Spring Equinox is my new New Years. 

When the air is fresh, the earth is warming up, and seeds are ready to go in the ground. That is the time of year it actually feels like my energy has come back to me.

I'm not saying this is a bad time to set your goals and make your resolutions (please...this girl loves a vision board), I just don't think we need to have it all figured out and then jump into the grind of it all.

However, I do believe new years is a wonderful time to start thinking about what you'd like your year to look like. No pressure, no agenda, just quiet contemplation that stirs something inside of you. And if that's all you do to welcome in the new year, I think you're already ahead of the game.

If you don't quite know yet what you want to bring into 2026 start by thinking about what you want to leave in 2025. Leaving something behind makes room for something new to grow. 

This is your permission slip to reject linear time and return to nature's pace (if you want). 

Wishing you a new years that soothes the soul.

-Kendra

Sweep your floors. It clears physical and energic clutter while creating space for fresh energy.

Empty all your garbage bins around the house. Then put it in your outside bins. I see this as it's own way of clearing out stagnant energy. No need to bring 2025's trash into 2026.

Clear out your email inbox. For me, there's nothing more anxiety inducing than opening my Gmail to two full pages of unread emails. Make a temporary folder to put emails that will require your attention and time. You don't need to go through them now, but it will help make your inbox less intimidating as you delete what's unnecessary. And while you're at it, unsubscribe from anything that you never end up actually reading.

Unfollow social media accounts that waste your time or make you feel less than.

Take a moment to appreciate your accomplishments, no matter how small. 

I do believe new years can be a wonderful time for looking inward, remembering, and contemplating. After all, Winter is for dreaming about what will grow in the Spring. Here are some questions to ponder that could prove insightful as you enter the new year.

 

Some are tough and hard to swallow. Some will make you uncomfortable and they should. Discomfort is where growth happens. Discomfort helps us make room for something new to be born.

Don't just think about them, write them down. Get them out on paper. It will help you not forget them. And remember, you don't need to jump into these with action, it's the thought that counts.

Is it doomscrolling before bed?
Avoiding hard work then wondering why nothing changes?
Deep down, you already know what isn't working, acknowledging it is the place to start.

What lie are you telling yourself about why you can't start yet?
"When I have more time..."

"When I have more money..."
"When things calm down..."

"When I'm ready..."

Different results require a different person. So who are you trying to become in 2026?

What's the one thing you're not willing to sacrifice for your goals?

Everyone wants results. Nobody wants to pay the price. 

Is it fitness? Are you willing to skip happy hour?

Is it wealth? Are you willing to work weekends?

Is it peace? Are you willing to cut out toxic people?

Be honest. Same job? Same body? Same bank account? Same excuses? 

On social media. At work. With friend. With yourself. It takes energy to show a side of yourself that doesn't come naturally. Is that energy you're willing to waste?

Not what you failed at, but what you deliberately avoided because it scared you. 

That conversation.

That skill.

That risk.

That truth.

Write it down because it's still waiting for you in 2026.