PERSONAL NOTE
Well, today we are starting fresh after what might have been a chaotic year for many. I am looking forward to continuing to assist people in navigating some of life's challenges with more ease, making more new friends, and having a lot of fun along the way. Since this moment is the only thing guaranteed, I plan to make the most of it. I hope you find this month's article helpful. Have a very Happy New Year and strive to bring more peace, love, and laughter into your life in 2026.
ARTICLE
With the start of a new year often comes talk of resolutions—things you swear you’ll start or stop doing. Sound familiar? Most people have tried them at least once… and most have also watched them quietly fade by February. Resolutions don’t fail because people lack motivation. They usually fail because they’re vague, overwhelming, or something somebody else wants you to do. What if this year didn’t start with fixing yourself?
What if it started with choosing yourself? Instead of asking, “What should I change?” try asking a different question: “What would make my life feel better this year?”
Not perfect. Not impressive. Just better. Real, lasting change doesn’t usually come from grand plans. It comes from awareness — noticing what drains you, what nourishes you, and where small adjustments could make a meaningful difference. Here’s a fresh approach you might consider as you step into the new year.
Start Small. Stay Honest Rather than creating a long list of goals, choose one area of your life that could use a little attention. Not because you’re failing — but because you’re human.
That area might be:
- A habit change
- Strengthen your relationships
- Your health
- Making fun a priority
Once you identify the area, look for one small, intentional shift you can make. Small doesn’t mean insignificant. In fact, small is often what makes change sustainable.
For example:
- One habit you’re ready to release
- One conversation you’ve been avoiding
- One boundary that needs to be set
- One source of unnecessary stress you can reduce
You don’t need to overhaul your entire routine or commit to drastic changes. You just need intention and consistency.
Pay Attention to What You Tolerate One powerful place to start is noticing what you’ve quietly accepted that no longer feels okay.
Maybe it’s:
- Overcommitting your time
- Allowing negative self-talk
- Staying silent when something bothers you
- Putting everyone else first — again
- Saying yes when you really mean no
Change often begins the moment you decide, “This no longer works for me.”
Make Room for What Matters As you move through January, give yourself permission to be intentional — not intense.
Ask yourself:
What do I want more of this year?
- What do I want less of?
- What deserves my energy?
- What can I let go of?
And just as importantly:
- What brings me laughter?
- What helps me feel connected?
- What helps me feel like myself?
Fun, rest, and connection are not rewards for getting everything done. They’re essential ingredients for a life that feels full and balanced.
Let This Be the Year of Gentle Progress
You don’t need a perfect plan.
You don’t need to do everything at once.
You don’t need to become a “new you.”
You just need to take one thoughtful step in a direction that feels right. Small changes really do add up — especially when they’re rooted in intention instead of pressure. Here’s to beginning the year with clarity, compassion, and a little curiosity about what’s possible.
Start 2026 in a new way!
COOL RESOURCE
 You Are What You Think by Dr. Wayne Dyer is a fabulous book that page by page takes you through the year and can be used over and over again. While it refers to 365 meditations, they are just inspirational thoughts for each day. This year will be my fourth time using it. You can find in on Amazon and other locations.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Watch for information about my exciting new group coaching program launching soon.
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Stay safe, healthy, and happy!
Coach Jan
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