GOALS AND REFLECTION 2026

GOALS AND REFLECTION 2026

12/29/25

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:13

As I sit here thinking about my 2026 goals, I’ve realized how much I have lost myself in the last 6 years.

Then I got to really thinking and realize, well, I’ve lost myself more than 6 years ago. 

Can’t tell you exactly when I lost myself but I can tell you that I haven’t been well for many years.  Mentally. Physically.  Emotionally.  Spiritually. 

If I just start with the last 6 years of my life, I can tell you my body has been in flight or fight. 

I started a new job right February 29, 2020.  Literally right before the pandemic.  Working at a DV shelter and part time for an architect firm.  I quit the architect firm to put more focus at the shelter (because I thought that is where God wanted me to be at the time) while also building a new clientele in an area that is mostly blue collar and massage is consider a luxury.  Its also in a barber shop. 

A year after the pandemic, I started having health issues physically and mentally.  I saw a lot of doctors over a 4 month period: rheumatologist cardiologist, neurologist, MRI, CT Scan.  In the end most health issues were induced by stress.  Physical and psychological. I was definitely a hot mess at that time.   Not long after that, I got fired from the DV shelter because I lost my sh*t on a client and kids for not following the rules.  SMH. A moment I am not proud of. 

I moved in with my kids and literally hit the road running. Working a 10 hour day. Most days are a 50-60 minute commute (one way).  Some nights can be 90 minutes.  The longest time was 2 hours, 10 minutes but that was during construction on the express lanes and there was a really bad accident on the regular lanes. 

The last several years I have been in a mode of survival and making sure I can pay my bills.  I don’t make nearly what I used to working independently or for a high end spa closer to the city.  I am legit just surviving some days.

I also picked up a pretty good side hustle by watching people’s pets.  It’s less than 10 minutes from work and I am saving gas.  I don’t have to witness daily accidents or keep up with the crazy drivers and pray you don’t get run over.

I’m good about making sure I’m good financially, but personally, I am struggling. 

I don’t have a social life.  Not because I don’t want one.  One, because I don’t have the time to have one and two, I don’t want to make the time to have one. I’ve grown comfortable in my little bubble and been hyper focused on just going to work and going home.  On repeat, often. 

I am sometimes exhausted at the end of the day, the last time I want to do is be social.  Honestly, there are days I sit more than I do work, so the stagnant physical position has messed up, mentally.  Physically – well, it shows.  53pounds in 4 years.  Scary.

Definitely not who I used to be. Nor who I continue to want to be.

I’ve gone on some great trips over the last 5 years.  I went to see some people I have met over the last few years.  Spent some quality time with family.  Our family welcomed two great-nieces, one great-nephew and another great-niece/nephew on the way!!  There was also a period when my family and I weren’t talking for a bit of time (again).  My fault.  I have a big mouth.

I have met some incredible clients and a few that I now call friends.   I can say I have experienced country life (as an adult) and it very much reminds me of where I grew up.  Small town. Everyone knows each other.  20-25 minutes to go anywhere for shopping or decent food.  Sadly, it lacks diversity.  Except for Friday evenings at the local Food Lion lol (inside joke). 

So, this brings me to writing my goals for 2026. 

I know I need to make some changes in my life.  Major changes. 

I will make an intentional effort to DO better. 

An intentional effort to BE better. 

An intentional effort to make better choices. 

I want to experience life like I used to feel (free spirited). 

The person I used to be (adventurous, well-being, connective with people, disciplined, joyful). 

Mend some relationships I totally cut off.  I realize that’s how I handle embarrassment or shame.

I want to feel me again.  Making wiser choices regarding food and being disciplined to working out again.  Work on becoming more social again and spend quality time with family and friends. 

This post is my affirmation to being healthier, happier and the best version of myself. 

I also know it’s tougher doing it alone.  For me, the healthiest, most successful and encouraging way to achieve these goals are through disciple, will-power, support, encouragement from friends/family and through God.   

I am putting God first in everything I do. Though Him, I can do anything.  He has a purpose for me.  I just need to make the effort and work for it.  Continue to be guided by Him because I know He will not steer in the wrong direction.

I still have lots to learn.  I know I will still make mistakes.  That’s life.

Going through life with God makes me more encouraged to see where He takes me.

I have a PURPOSE.  Only He knows what it is!!

I am HERE for it all!