New Year, Fresh Start

As we wave goodbye to 2025, some of us are filled with nostalgia. We look back on a year filled with achievements, challenges and changes. 

Life's full of challenges. Everyone wants to achieve goals and move on. To become better versions of ourselves than before.

As 2026 begins, many of us are re-evaluating our lives.

Are you happy with your life?

What do you need to do to achieve your goals this year?

Do you have a plan?

Are there any changes you need to make this year?

Are you happy in your career?

Do you have any health issues that need your attention?

The beginning of a new year often trigger many questions. It's the hottest topic of conversation when you return to work after the holidays.

What is your outlook for 2026? Have you made a New Year's Resolution or a promise on what you want to happen in the coming months?

Many people I know choose to focus on their health after having overindulged during the holidays. Too much food, too much candy and not enough exercise.

Some people like to work out more regularly, or start a new exercise regime, maybe even sign up for some advanced gym classes.

Whatever you choose to do, make sure that you do it for the right reasons and not because someone decided you should do it.

Remember you are your own person, and you deserve to live your life the way you want to.

There are many ways you can improve your life. It doesn't have to be about fitness. Relaxation exercises, meditation, stretching, and yoga are other options of getting in tune with your body.

These are great alternatives for anyone to self-regulate because we are naturally tense and stressed. Self -care is vital for well-being and it always begins with you.

Find out what technique works best for you and give it a shot.

What have you got to lose?

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a hot topic today. I used to think it was crazy stuff that only retired people did.

I got it wrong.

Mindfulness is for everyone.

My friends decided to give it a shot, but I was not ready to jump on the bandwagon because others did. I'm far too stubborn to give in to the latest fad.

My friends' reactions to mindfulness changed some of them fundamentally in their outlook on life. After I saw this change, it sparked my interest.

Mindfulness is all about how we feel within ourselves, and how we perceive the world. It is about becoming aware of what is already out there all around us.

Mindfulness is about reducing stress and becoming more in sync with the present moment. You will miss 100% in life if you don't grab opportunities when they come.

It can be as simple as starting a journal and write down a few simple statements about your day. Acknowledging the bad and the good and feel grateful, or just feel whatever emotion that comes to mind.

Feeling that moment and owning it.

It can be about recognizing your thoughts of people and experiences and taking a moment to pause…

Mindfulness makes you stop and organize your thoughts and consider the bigger picture.

Think about how you reacted to something recently, and why you felt that way. What happened, and could you have handled it differently?

If your mind is like mine and constantly churning ideas, mindfulness will help. There are lots of books and classes on mindfulness. Why don't you give it a go? It's a new year, full of opportunities.

A Helping Hand

Your family and friends may need your help in 2026. Choosing to help them is a great way to start the new year. Once they are where they need to be, they may even help you with something you struggle with.

Taking time out to help others is worthwhile, and should never feel like a chore. I see it a bit as that old film called Pay it forward. If you help others with a small thing, eventually it does come back to you.

Helping a friend make a coffee after an accident, and stay to talk for a while, can mean the world. It feels good too.

Feeling needed.

Pay attention to others around you this year. A simple gesture of kindness really can make a difference.

Some people decide to give money to charity. There are lots of ways to do this and doesn't have to cost the world. Entering in a half marathon and running for a cancer research charity is something I have done in the past.

I felt good to have that focus to train for the race with friends, and then the goal of raising money for a good cause.

My kids elementary school often get the parents to raise money for the community. Embrace it and help whenever you can in whatever way you can.

Charity doesn't always mean money, it's often about giving your time and energy for a good cause. I've had so much fun helping at a homeless shelter serving food when my friend got sick and I filled in for her.

I'm always thinking of donating toys and clothes to people who have less.

Even when life is hard, try to smile and think positively this year. Life is what you make of it and the world really is at the tip of your fingers.

Making one or two small changes today, can make a lot of differences later on.

So, what are you waiting for? Go out there with your head held high and grab life firmly with both hands.

You matter, and 2026 is going to be fantastic. If you believe it, you can achieve it.

My name is Lizzy. I'm a trauma survivor, a wife, a mom, a teacher, and an author.

If you like reading my posts, then please follow me.

For more about me: www.elizabethwoodsauthor.com

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Here are a few links to my articles:

5 Minutes Christmas Peace

https://medium.com/be-reaching-hearts/5-minutes-christmas-peace-64c19c9d0165

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

https://medium.com/activated-thinker/its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-christmas-daf1fa510807

Looking for a Change?

https://medium.com/activated-thinker/looking-for-a-change-f391e85abbd7

A Search for Identity

https://medium.com/beyond-lines/a-search-for-identity-893df7c970c2

Are You Searching for Peace?

https://medium.com/illumination/are-you-searching-for-peace-cd54d76231c8

Are You Dealing With Burnout?

https://medium.com/illumination/are-you-dealing-with-burnout-374f774141b4