Ah yes… another one of those New Year posts

You know the ones.

The “new year, new me”, “this is my year”, “I’ve reflected, journaled, and suddenly have my life together” kind of posts.

So yes… this is another one of those New Year posts.
But also… it really isn’t.

Because if I’m being completely honest, 2025 was a bit rubbish in more ways than I wish to care for!

And I don’t mean the “oh, it was busy, but we got through it” kind of rubbish. I mean the kind where you discover friends you thought were your ride or dies have disappeared, and you are forced to cut out family for your own mental health. The kind where you have cried far more than you ever thought you would, and slowly realise you’ve let yourself go in just about every way possible, physically, mentally, emotionally… all of it.

I’ve shown up for everyone else while quietly running on empty. I’ve survived rather than lived, and barely at that. There have been nights when I have lain in bed not wanting to go to sleep purely because I couldn't face waking up for another morning. And if there was an award for holding it together on the outside while falling apart internally, I’d have at least been shortlisted.

Recently, I read a quote that stopped me in my tracks. It said something along the lines of "I have sat at tables I should never have even pulled a chair out for," and honestly, I felt that in my bones.

It reminded me of something I keep forgetting:
It’s actually okay to focus on myself sometimes.
I don’t always have to make everyone else happy at my own detriment.

Wild concept, I know, because I know so many of you will feel the same way as me! 

So… moving forward into 2026

This is the year I’m gently but firmly turning things around.

I’m going to knuckle down on this blog properly, not just when I have a spare five minutes or when I get the chance, but because it matters to me. Writing has always been my outlet and it’s time I stopped pushing it to the bottom of the list. I am also going to go back to taking lots of my own photos. I love photography but just haven't found time or the will to get out and take photos but that is going to change! 

I’m also going to find time for me and the things I enjoy. Properly. Without guilt.

That means girly trips with my bestie, WITHOUT the kids (still feels strange even typing that). I’m 35 years old, and I’ve never spent a night away from the kids, never been to a concert, never been to a spa… and honestly, I worry that if I don't do it soon I will be say in a care home looking back on my life full of regret for all the things I "should" have done but always put off for another day. 

I’m going to stress less (or at least try). What will be, will be. I’ve carried enough worry for one lifetime.

I want to learn a new skill, although I’ve absolutely no idea what yet, suggestions welcome. I believe we should never stop learning and testing ourselves and learning a new skill is something I have wanted to do for a while now. 

And one thing that will never change:
I will continue to fight and advocate for Evelyn, because she is still trapped in a system that can’t see the difference between masking and coping.
(If you haven’t read my post about Evelyn, check it out - But Your Child Doesnt look Neurodivergent.)

A year of change - finally

2026 will also be a huge year for us as a family. My eldest will be sitting his GCSEs this year, and ultimately leaving school; heck, he might even be driving or at least learning to drive this time next year! 

I don’t expect perfection this year. I don’t expect life to suddenly be smooth and shiny.

But I do hope for more peace, more laughter, more “this feels right” moments, and far fewer tears cried in the kitchen when no one’s looking. Oh, and more spontaneous moments, trips to the seaside to watch the sunset, weekends away, day trips with friends, picnics for lunch, and BBQs for tea! 

So here’s to 2026 - not a “new me”, just a more looked-after one.

✨ Now I’d love to hear from you ✨

What are your New Year goals, intentions, or even just hopes for 2026?
Share them in the comments - big, small, serious or silly, let’s go into this year together.