Being authentic in 2026

Starting 2026 just being my authentic self

 This year is different. I know you're thinking about the state of the world but this is more about the world within. I mean aren't all New Year's intentions about that? I decided to not make a list this year. Instead I would mentally resolve to do as much as I can but to be realistic about my goals.  I'm always wishing I could have done more. I decided to just live and breathe in the moment.

The teak figurine you see pictured is beautiful in its imperfection. It makes us smile because it is real. We are human, we make mistakes, we put things off, we stumble and fall and pick ourselves up again.  It's a good starting point, the picking ourselves up part.

Don't aim for perfection. Aim for small wins, small little miracles that might go unnoticed but in the end become something achieved. Remember it begins in your mind. Perhaps the idea of visualization is now passe. I'm not sure but try, just try to visualize something you are wishing for. Where does your heart lead you?  Maybe you just want to spend more time outside with friends and family or you may want to learn a new language or start a fitness journey. Or perhaps you just wish for more time in your day? Go slow, don't rush, there is time if you begin to see that really any worthwhile project doesn't happen quickly. The idea of giving yourself permission to do it on your own terms is worth thinking about.

Spend ten minutes just sitting on your couch, outside on a park bench, your patio, anywhere. No phone, no tablet, no connection to any wireless device. Suddenly you start to feel alive inside. There is no external anything just you existing, breathing, blinking, smelling the air, hearing the sounds. If you have always been a busy person like me it is genuinely difficult to do! It will work some magic though. It's okay if your mind doesn't stop thinking. You may even have some wonderful insights! Creativity loves quiet.