G=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT)
As I sit here on the first Sunday night of the new year, getting my bag ready and mentally preparing for the workweek ahead, I’m realizing that 2026 didn’t start the way I imagined it would.
Instead of feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to conquer the year, I spent the first four days sick with the flu—and it hit me hard. That wasn’t how I planned to welcome a new chapter. And if I’m being honest, it forced me to slow down in a way I didn’t ask for.
But maybe that’s the lesson.
We hype up the New Year so much. We put pressure on January 1st to feel magical, transformative, and full of clarity. And sometimes, it’s our expectations—not reality—that end up disappointing us the most.
As I’m feeling better now and looking forward to seeing everyone at work tomorrow, I’ve had time to reflect. What I really want for 2026 isn’t perfection or a flawless start. What I want is to show up for myself—consistently, intentionally, and honestly.
When I look back on 2025, I see growth. I stepped outside of my comfort zone. I took risks that scared me, but I’m proud of them. I learned more about who I am, what I value, and where God has been stretching me. And while I know there’s still a lot of work to do, I’m not starting this year from scratch—I’m starting it from experience.
I’ve set goals for 2026. I’ve already completed my vision board (I’ll share that soon), but more than goals or visuals, I’m walking into this year with an increased level of faith and a whole lot of hope. I’m ready to be obedient. Ready to listen more closely. Ready to challenge myself to spend more time in Scripture and in the Word.
I want to be a better steward—of my time, my health, my relationships, my resources, and the calling God has placed on my life.
So for now, I’m staying hydrated. I won’t overdo it this week. And I’m reminding myself that this year doesn’t need to be a sprint. It can be a marathon—one steady step at a time.
Here’s to a 2026 where we give ourselves grace, trust the process, and keep showing up… even when the start doesn’t look the way we imagined.
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