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Hey friends, as we wrap up 2025 and head into 2026, I’m thinking about everything that’s happened this year. It’s been a mix of highs, lows, and realizations that some things just aren’t working for me anymore. I’ve ditched the whole resolutions thing a long time ago. Instead, I’m focusing on letting go of what’s heavy and making room for what actually feels good.
It’s such a relief, you know? No chasing perfection, just gentle shifts toward feeling more like myself. If you’re in that reflective mood too, here’s what I’m letting go of and what I’m embracing instead.
1. Letting Go of: Doing Things Just Because I “Should”
That constant pressure to follow everyone else’s rules. Exercise because I should, eat certain foods because I should, hustle harder because I should. It left me resentful and exhausted.
Choosing Instead: Doing things because they feel good and align with me. I’m tuning into what actually energizes me, not what looks good on paper.
To stay grounded in that, I’ve been using this Clever Fox Self-Care Journal. It has prompts for checking in with myself and building habits that stick.
2. Letting Go of: Waiting Until I’m “Better” to Start
You know, that procrastination trap: I’ll start the project when I’m more prepared, more skilled, less tired. It kept me stuck forever.
Choosing Instead: Starting messy and trusting the process. Progress over perfection, just beginning, even if it’s messy.
I’m showing up as I am. Tired days, low energy weeks, imperfect progress and all. Waiting until I feel “ready” has only ever delayed the life I want.
One small thing that’s helped me stay consistent lately is actually sitting down with a planner again. I’ve been using digital planner from Etsy. It gives me enough structure to show up.
3. Letting Go of: The Idea That the Best Years Are Behind Me
Somewhere along the way, I started believing my peak was in the past… that excitement, adventure, growth were mostly done.
Choosing Instead: Believing the best is still ahead. Every year brings new possibilities, and I’m open to them.
If this resonates, I shared more about shifting that mindset in my post on starting over in my 30s; it was a vulnerable one for me.
4. Letting Go of: Punishing My Body
I’m done treating my body like a project that needs fixing. That means letting go of extreme all-or-nothing thinking, workouts that leave me miserable, and food rules that make me anxious and loving my body as it is now.
Choosing Instead: Care over control. Gentler movement, food that satisfies me, and clothes that actually fit right now.
I’ve also been slowly rebuilding my basics wardrobe with pieces that feel good on my body instead of fighting it. Lately, I’ve been loving this super soft and stretchy ANRABESS lounge set because it’s cozy, has great stretch, and makes feel bit more put together at home instead of sloppy.
5. Letting Go of: Consuming Without Creating
I love inspiration. I love scrolling. But there’s a point where it turns into comparison — and suddenly I feel behind before I’ve even started my day.
Choosing Instead: Balanced creation and inspiration. More making, writing, sharing – even if it’s small.
This has been huge for my goals.
Writing even when no one’s reading yet.
Building things slowly.
Documenting instead of performing.
These are the shifts that feel right for me right now. Nothing drastic, just intentional. It’s about more ease, more joy, and trusting that growth doesn’t have to hurt.
What about you? What’s one thing you’re ready to let go of as we head into 2026?
Share in the comments! Cheers to a fresh year ahead.