less is more

Each year I wait for a special message to make itself known repeatedly, like a kid tugging at my hem. That’s when I know it’s time to pay attention, and take the idea in as a guiding light for my year ahead.

I dropped the practice of creating “resolutions,” and I find this method much more meaningful and sticky, as it’s usually something that can apply to a variety of actions and choices as the year progresses. In that way, it evolves into a sort of game, in a way that a rude and shouty “lose 10 pounds!” never could.

My 2026 intention floated into my consciousness at the tail end of a much-needed multi-day digestive reset this fall, which helped me cool it on the excess processed foods and sugar I’d been habitually taking in. I became so much more aware of what I was eating (everything in the cupboard) and when (constantly), and finally got back to proper nourishing meals when I was actually hungry.

At about the same time, some niggling dental pain erupted into a plan for a complex and pricey reconstruction procedure. After many conversations—punctuated by hand-drawn diagrams and calculations—we came up with a plan to cover the expenses over time, complete with a for-real slow down on unnecessary spending. I started reducing the size of my occasional takeaway coffees, and I found myself pausing in front of the prepared food case to consider the contents of my already-full freezer.

As I was getting ready to pull out of my parking spot after a quick stop at our local food coop (following my more mindful, pared-down shopping method) I heard it plain as day: “less is more.” “Yeah,” I thought, accepting the challenge, “it is.” And so it began—my map for 2026. And it wasn’t even Christmas yet.

I’m finding myself repairing holey socks with colorful patterned patches from my new darning tool—a gift from our kids. Less spending on new clothing is more fun creativity with the pieces I know and love.

I’m upping the ante on my drive toward increased sustainability in the kitchen. Less single-use plastic is more heirloom glassware on my shelves, full of ingredients ready for homecooked meals. Plus less ocean trash and more awareness of what happens to packaging once it leaves my hands.

I’m unsubscribing from lists stuffing my inbox with messages that take my energy instead of giving me a sense of fulfillment. Less digital distraction is more space for analog pursuits, like the tower of enticing reads on my nightstand.

That’s just the beginning. I’m excited to see more of what’s ahead for 2026. Or should I say … what’s less.