26 for 2026

As frightening as it may sound, we are nearing the halfway point of the year. Spring and summer have seemed to fly by, as they always do.

When I was checking in on my TBR for the year, I realized that while yes, I wanted to see how I was doing with my reading goals, I also needed to check in on my 2026 list.

I keep the above list in my closet, so I see it whenever I reach it for a piece of clothing. When I make my personal monthly calendar, I try to check in with this list as well. What do I need to pencil in for this month? What is a seasonal project? Where do I have free time?

Upon reflection, there are several areas that I feel like I am doing really well in on this list. There are also several I have made little to no progress in. Such is life.

I do really want to check off as many of these as possible this year, and the best way to do that is to really take stock of where I am.

Goals I’ve Hit / Am Working On:

• I did read the Odyssey and finished re-reading Percy Jackson

• I created my list of books to read before 30, but have not yet read them all

• I’ve listened to some Joan of Arc podcasts and did read a book about her, but I would still like to watch a movie or documentary

• Every month, I’ve printed and added pictures to my scrapbook for the year. This has been such a fun way to keep track of everything from the year so far

• I have asked a new friend to go on a walk a month - this one is harder because it requires other people’s schedules aligning as well!

• Although I haven’t been writing on Substack as much as I would like, I have definitely been posting more frequently than last year. I feel committed to this goal

• I’ve hit a monthly sunrise and sunset on the beach

• I did have a bunch of people meet for pizza on the beach for dinner. Next step is getting the swim involved!

• I’ve pre-ordered several books this year from authors I follow from my local bookstore. Easy one to check off!

• Have CERTAINTLY gotten stronger through Pilates, HIIT classes, and lifting weights

• On track to see 6 movies in the theatre this year

Goals That Need Major TLC:

• Engaging in analog activities

• Cooking 1 new meal per month

• Learning to surf

• Taking a trip with Sam

• Joining a pickleball league (funny story here: Sam and I did sign up. But we were the only ones. They had to cancel the league)

• Purchasing a beautiful nightgown

• Daily stretching

• Upping my investment game

• Figuring out my hair care and skin care

• Seeing a comedian live

• Honoring the sabbath

• Taking a phone detox

The good news is that there is plenty of time left in the year to make these goals happen.

I think more importantly, I am still having fun and enjoying these goals. At any point, if they became overwhelming or annoying, I’d have to scale back, and I would hate to do that.

That’s the good part about these resolution-like lists: you can add actual goals you’d like to accomplish and fun side quests. Will purchasing a nightgown and seeing a comedian live necessarily make me a kinder, smarter, better, more patient human? No, of course not. But I’ll have fun, and can still put the real work in elsewhere.

The rest of the year is shaping up to be busy and filled with change. I hope this list settles and centers me, and adds a bit of fun in during the chaos.

All in all, when I think about the first 6 months of the year, I feel grateful. There has been a lot of goodness. Much to celebrate. Fun and fitness and food and faith! This year has also held its fair share of struggles. I’m happy to be where I am. I’m thankful for the first 6 of this year, and excited to see what the last 6 have in store.

Hoping you all are having a great summer out there!

XO

Emma