endings,new beginnings,and a little bit of rotting

After the fullness of Christmas, one of my favorite times of year begins.

The rotting.
(As my kids call it.)

As an introvert, all the festive activities, family gatherings, busy stores, and constant movement leave me craving the quiet after. That sacred stretch between Christmas and the New Year when there’s nowhere to be, nothing to rush, and permission to reset, recharge… and yes, rot.

This week, I finally had the energy to open a book. It’s called The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, and wow, so many good takeaways. But one line has really wrapped itself around my heart. Mel references a poem by Mary Oliver, The Summer Day, which asks this simple yet powerful question:

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

I absolutely love this question.

There’s no pressure in it. No urgency. Just space. It invites reflection with lightness and curiosity and allows me to gently decide how I want to move into the new year. I’ve already shared this question with a few of my clients to help spark our upcoming sessions as we talk about how we want to show up for ourselves in 2026.

During this end-of-year pause, I always take time to reflect on the year I’m closing before setting intentions for the year ahead. I’m even doing a vision board this year with my dearest friends—something about dreaming together feels especially meaningful right now.

One of my favorite reflection practices is writing myself a reflection letter. I review my accomplishments from the year (I jot them down throughout the year so I am not scrambling in December), and then I choose one word to anchor the year ahead.

That word becomes my ultimate intention.
Everything else flows from there.

For 2026, my word is Action.

In past years, I’ve chosen words like openness, freedom, clarity. And while those seasons were exactly what I needed, something has shifted. I think I’ve rotted just enough 😌—and now I’m ready for forward movement. Small steps. Brave steps. Action steps.

Watching my kids take big steps forward in their own lives has lit something up in me. It’s exciting to imagine what could change if I meet this year with intention and action of my own.

As we stand at the edge of a new beginning, my wish for you is a year filled with love, peace, and a multitude of miracles—both big and small.

And if this feels like the season for you (or your teen) to gain clarity, confidence, and support, life coaching is a powerful gift to give yourself. I’d love to connect and help you create a year you’ll never forget. ✨ Schedule a session

Here’s to new beginnings… and just enough rotting along the way. 🤍