The Year of the Horse

How is it 2026 already? Which means that it was 2016, ten years ago. This fact became a social media challenge, so I wondered “why.’”

For many, images from 2016 evoke simpler times. Yet, when we were in them, they felt chaotic. In the end, I think the viral trend is simply a reminder that our pace in life is rapid, and as Ferris Bueller said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

Reflection is essential and a healthy way to assess what we’ve experienced and what we want for our future.

So, with that said…

1. Word of the year: Do you select a word for the year? It can be a helpful practice. For 2026, the word “clear” kept running through my head, which I resolved to write down as “clarity” to signify the quality or state of being clear or precise. To me, this felt like the perfect way to enter a year where “less is more,” and my priorities are condensed. Here is a great video on how to choose a word for the year.

2. The Year of the Horse: Once I picked my word, I soon discovered it’s the “Year of the Horse” in the Solar New Year, beginning on February 4. The Lunar New Year begins on February 17. Why am I writing about this? Because, if you are like me, while the New Year has started, I don’t yet feel ready for the transition. I still feel like I’m in planning mode, and this shift has given me more time to prepare - you, too!

   How you enter the Year of the Horse matters more than how fast you move once you’re there. The Horse year is about trusting motion, not perfection. It’s about carrying life, dreams, and legacy forward even when you don’t yet see the full path.

3. Wolves: Who is more dangerous - wolves or humans?

   While social media can feel like a real drag, it offers us something, too. Through IG, I learned of the story of Takaya, the Lone Wolf. I was moved by his story and his relationship with Cheryl Alexander, who documented his life. I emailed Cheryle to ask if she would be on About Your Mother, and she said, ‘Yes!’ She is the 2021 Canadian Screen Award winner for Best Nature Documentary and has a bestselling book about Takaya’s beautiful, and sometimes tragic, life.

   Our conversation is a beautiful story of resilience, hope, and the sad misunderstanding so many hold about these magnificent creatures. Thank you, Cheryl, for sharing Takaya’s story and showing us his resilience against all odds.

   Oftentimes, what we fear is our greatest teacher. Imagine how beautiful our world would be if more people became observers of nature like Cheryl?

Until next week,

XO,

Jen