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Is It Even A New Year If You Haven’t Questioned All Your Life Choices Yet?
This week always feels like a holding pattern. You’re technically working, technically awake, and technically aware that it’s about to be a new year…
but.. mostly just trying to remember what day it is and whether emails still count.
2025 was a lot. It would be fair to say people are tired.
Not “take a nap” tired…more like “what am I doing with my one brief life” tired.
Now the calendar has flipped again, and suddenly you’re supposed to feel clear. Inspired, even.
So before you start mapping out goals or making your best attempts to be energized, here are a few tools for easing out of the fog.
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Toolbox:
The “Nope” List
This is for your Notes app, your journal, or your locked doc titled ‘if I had time to feel things.’”
A running list of things you are officially done doing in 2026. And… stay with me on this … no explanation is required.
Write them down. Delete them. Text them to a friend. Literally does not matter because the power is in the naming.
Here’s some starter inspiration:
Replying “sounds good” when nothing about it sounds good
Carrying guilt for things you had no control over
Keeping the camera on just to nod through a meeting
Apologizing for being unavailable after 6pm
Convincing yourself “it’s fine” when your body is clearly voting no
Believe it or not… A “new you” is not needed for 2026. However… possibly just fewer things on your mental payroll could be a start.
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Unsustainable Behavior of the Week
A call out section: Because these things need to be put out in the open…
"Returned to work from the break. Got asked for my ‘2026 vision’ while I was still trying to decide if ‘catching up on Slack’ counts as work or punishment."
Some people start the year with momentum.
Others are moving through the first week of Q1 like it’s a haunted house.
Both are valid. Not everything needs to be a full-blown sprint on day one.
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One to Think About
A short, sharp insight to carry through your day.
Look at everything on your plate right now…
Whether it’s the work, the projects, the stuff you say yes to by default.
Now imagine doing it all… with no one watching. I’m talking about no applause, credit, or acknowledgement. Not even a chance to casually mention it later.
Would you still choose it?
If the answer is no, that’s ok. Just make note. Especially for 2026.
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Nervous System Intermission
A quick reset for your overworked brain.
Say one kind thing to yourself today.
Not to manifest anything, but just to interrupt some of that noise.
It doesn’t have to be profound.
“You did your best with what you had.”
“You don’t have to earn rest.”
“You made it through things no one saw.”
“You’re allowed to be proud of small things.”
“Showing up is enough right now.”
Alrighty folks… that’s the soft launch. Don’t forget to be kind to yourself and be kind to others as we navigate what is ahead this new year.
Happy New Year!!
Reply All (Just Kidding, Just to Me)
This will always be a space to share stories, rants, and reflections.
Have a “Unsustainable Behavior of the Week”? Let us know.
We look forward to helping you create a more sustainable you in 2026.
Until Next Time!
May your next email actually find you well.
P.S.
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