Did you expect a clever New Year caption…?

Did you really expect a clever caption…from me? That’s so hopeful of you 😉

My Aspiring Goals and Dreams for the New Year

As another new year unfolds, we are presented an opportune moment to ponder upon our personal aspirations and ambitions. Am I seeking professional growth, or personal development? Should I focus on curating new experiences? We all know the importance of establishing attainable goals. These goals are essential for making personal growth and progress. I’ve created a short list of online ideas that is advised. I’m sharing them with you as we start 2026. I suspect you feel somewhat like me in these moments—when someone begins to “suggest” meaningful objectives.
Secretly, I do think most of us really want to improve in areas of importance. Whatever that looks like for you, or me is our own personal journey. For me, it culminates in a pretty simple phrase by Gracie Hart in Miss Congeniality—

I really do want world peace—

Setting Meaningful Objectives

But seriously—here is a list with some ways we can work on improving and follow through with positive objectives

• Enhance Skills: Commit to acquiring new knowledge or refining existing abilities through courses or self-study.
• Foster Relationships: Dedicate time to strengthening connections with family, friends, and colleagues.
• Prioritize Well-being: Adopt healthier habits, like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and mindfulness practices.
• Achieve Milestones: Define specific targets within personal or professional realms to measure success throughout the year.

Embracing the Journey

The pursuit of any goals/aspirations requires a lot of dedication, resilience, and adaptability aka work. Maintaining consistent focus and a positive outlook is NOT always so easy. Each day is a whole new step. So, if/when you miss a few (and we all do) do NOT give up. Just remember that tomorrow is an opportunity to begin again. No one gets it perfect, no matter what facade they create online. The important thing is to keep trying. Each small step is meaningful and contributes toward realizing our dreams/goals in 2026.

My Favorite Garden Pics Of 2025

If none of the above resonates, perhaps one my favorite thoughts by Erma Bombeck will land. Or my last ditch effort of quoting Charlie Brown.

If I could live my life over again, I would have gone to bed to rest when I felt sick instead of pretending the earth would stop if I wasn’t at work for a day… I would have burned the pink candle carved like a rose instead of letting it melt in the pantry… I would have talked less and listened more… I would have invited friends to the table even if there is a stain on the carpet and the couch needs to be cleaned. I would have eaten popcorn in the “good” room and wouldn’t have worried so much about dust when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace. I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather telling stories from his youth. I would never have insisted on driving with the car windows down on a beautiful summer day, just because my hair was freshly styled and fixed. I would have been lying on the meadow with my head on the grass. I would have cried and laughed, and less watching TV—but more watching life. But, most of all, to have a second chance at life, I would cherish every moment, I would really look at it… I would live it… I wouldn’t get so worked up over petty things anymore… Don’t worry about those who don’t like you, or rather, you shouldn’t care who does what… Instead, cherish the friends we have and the people who love us. And, to what we do every day to improve our mind, body, soul, emotions.”

Written by Erma Bombeck 1979

May you and yours find love, happiness, peace and good coffee in 2026

PS—

“You know how I always dread the whole year? Well, this time I’m only going to dread one day at a time.”

—Charlie Brown, Happy New Year, Charlie Brown