I’ve always loved setting New Year’s resolutions. There’s something refreshing about setting new intentions, new goals and new mindsets and that “out with the old and in with the new feeling. But this year, instead of making the same ones over every year, I’m trying something new-a vision board. I’ve already created it on Canva and had an 11X14 poster printed of it. It hangs on my bedroom wall. As I leave the room, I look at it as a reminder of what I want for myself. You might notice that it doesn’t show anything about relationships, friendships or family. That I’ll just hold in my heart. Here are some of the things I’ll be focusing on in 2026.

My 2026 Vision Board

Beautifying My Back Yard

My back yard needs love and attention. It’s a pretty big yard. I didn’t want this big of a yard, but you know, marriage is compromise. In my husband’s defense, he created a very fun back yard for our kids and for entertaining. Originally, we had beautiful green grass, but it ultimately was too expensive to keep that way in the Arizona heat. We came from a place that people don’t have to re-sead grass and we were pretty naive. It’s really not too bad, but it’s not the inviting back yard we once had. We need to make it fit who we are now. Not the big, entertaining yard that it was, but something that just feels comfortable and clean so we can enjoy it again.

A Home Apothecary

My love of essential oils led me to a natural curiosity about herbalism. But what really drew me in was the cozy, beautiful aesthetic of a home apothecary after I came across, the Youtube channel, Heidi Villegas, Christian Herbalist. She shares so much helpful knowledge. This summer, I’d like to dedicate a small part of my kitchen counter to a simple apothecary set up-some loose-leaf teas and a couple of blends that I can make myself. And some simple tinctures for cold and flu season too.

Pantry and Kitchen Storage Functionality

When we first moved into our house nearly twenty-two years ago, I had a three-month-old, so this wasn’t a priority. Over the years, I’ve done a lot organizing, but I’ve never thought about systems or products that go together to maximize functionality. Well now I’m ready to invest in that and see it as another way to love my home. It helps make mundane housework a little more enjoyable.

Kitchen/Cooking Functionality

I spend a lot of my time in the kitchen, cooking, prepping for cooking, baking and cleaning it too. Again, I think by now, I’m justified in investing some nice kitchen tools and kitchenware. I can’t afford to get everything at one time, but little by little, it’s going to get there.

Making out my Will and After-Death Planning

I think I’m old enough. I want to be sure my kids know what and where to find everything should something happen to us together. I pray that we both live for many more years, of course. It’s all about peace of mind for me. I bought a binder actually titled, When I Die, to list all of our important information. That’s a depressing title for a product, I know. Nothing more to say about that except, I hope they don’t have to pull out that binder for many many years from now.

Subtle Home Refresh and Restyle

In the twenty-two years in our home, we’ve redone paint colors and flooring, updated the kitchen counters and several pieces of furniture, and of course, changing decor as well. I’ve been feeling it’s time for a refresh. I would love to re-stain my cabinets, but it’s not possible yet. For now, I’m updating the walls and other decor. I’m changing accent colors, getting a new shower curtain, and some new lighting. I’m making just little touches that I can already see make a big difference.

Joining a Book Club

I read a lot when I was in school and into my 20’s but when I became a mom, reading moved to the back burner until I hardly read at all. Two young ladies at my church invited me to join their book club and I was instantly interested. Now I can say I am officially part of a book club! We meet once a month and have tea and discussion at it’s so much fun. Reading is going to feel like reconnecting with myself and with the parts of my past that shaped me. And it’ll be even better sharing it with people I already enjoy spending time with.

Soap Making

I find making melt and pour soap enjoyable and quite the creative outlet for me. There’s just so much you can do with it. I’m very new to it, but I’m learning as I go. I like to make soaps with shapes and color. I think what I like to make can be considered out of style for soap, but I’m working on bringing an appreciation for what I make back.

A Home Computer Work Space

Okay, I have the home computer. Two, actually. But, our office supplies are everywhere, and I feel quite disorganized in this area. I’ve already swapped desks with the one that was in the spare bedroom and it’s looking better already. Since this desk is in our living room, I want it to look nice too. You know, a cute pencil holder, etc. Basically, I want organization and style.

and the most important of them all…..

Consistent Workouts With Weights To Strengthen My Bones

If there’s one regret I have it’s not working my body out more when I was younger. I was the farthest thing from athletic as a kid and I’ve rarely worked out as an adult. I would go back and become a yoga teacher or wellness coach or something cool like that. Now that I’ll be turning 55 this year, I really need to take this seriously. Falling and breaking bones become very probable as you age if you don’t do weight-bearing exercises, balancing workouts and cardio as well. I did get into working out when I was 49 and I had never felt better. But you know how that goes. My goal is 5 times a week and with a combination of weights, cardio, yoga, pilates, barre. Now that my legs are feeling much better from laser vein ablation, I’ve been walking in the evening too.

In 2026, I hope to bring more beauty, creativity and calm into my everyday life. Not perfection, just small steady steps. Here’s to a year of learning, creating and growing!