When the New Year Doesn’t Feel New

5, 4, 3, 2, 1… HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Is it though?

Today is the first day of 2026, and I just don’t feel excited about the new year. I’m thankful to be here — of course — but my life doesn’t look like what I anticipated it would. I know I’m not alone in how I feel, but I also know it’s up to me to curate the life of my dreams.

“Comparison is the thief of joy,” or so they say — but sometimes it’s really hard not to compare yourself to others. At least for me it is. I won’t speak for anyone else. I’ll be turning 35 in four short months and, although I know that’s not old, it’s still the oldest I’ve ever been — and my life looks nothing like my plan for year 35.

By 35, I wanted to be settled in my career, financially stable, slim-thick, married, and living my best life.

I am thankful to be married to the best man I’ve ever known — but everything else is taking time to manifest. I have no clear idea of what I want from my career. I’m currently a travel social worker (as we all know), but I’m trying very hard to hang up my badge. The job market in 2025 was trash. I applied for so many jobs, did two interviews, and got no offers.

To be honest, I wasn’t crazy about the jobs I interviewed for… but they would have given me the stability I’m longing for.

With stability in my career comes true financial stability. Combining finances has been one of the best benefits of being married, but the type of security I want for us needs to happen this year. I want us to do life and still live life. I want random weekend trips, the freedom to buy what we want, to build investments, stack our savings, and really plan for our future.

Living in California is beautiful — but expensive. The plan to move back east is officially underway.

As far as being slim-thick… well, you know it’s a struggle. And to be fair, I know I’m the problem. I’m addicted to sweets, I’m often lazy, and I struggle with locking in. These are all things within my control to change — so I plan to do just that. Easier said than done, but at this point it’s really not optional.

I had an appointment with my doctor about starting a GLP-1. I qualified, but my insurance doesn’t cover it, so I’d have to pay out of pocket — and I don’t need another bill. So I’m going to do it the old-fashioned way: walking and being mindful of my calories. I’ve been wanting to lean into a more anti-inflammatory lifestyle, and this feels like the time to start.

I also know I can’t change everything at once and expect to be successful, so I’m starting with eating more whole foods and walking 10K steps a day.

This post started off a little doom-and-gloom, but the reality is… life has highs and lows. It’s up to us to curate the lives we love. For you, that might look like getting a new job, losing weight, or better managing your finances. My intention in sharing this is to be honest about where I am — and if you’re in a similar rut… what’s the plan? How are you going to move past it?

They say step one is acknowledgment. Now, let’s make a plan.

My only New Year’s resolution for 2026 is to be happier. If I can accomplish that, everything else will fall into place. I know every year comes with challenges — and I’m already starting this one with several on day one — but I refuse to let that be an indication of how the rest of the year will go.

It’s time to start curating.

If you’re navigating a similar season, you’re not alone. Share your thoughts in the comments — and subscribe to join me on this journey of rebuilding and creating a life we love.

Sincerely, SC