New Year, New You: 2026

There were good and bad things that happened last year. Traveling to Spain, Portugal, and Alaska with dear friends tops the good list. The health issue I endured leads the ranking for the worst occurrence! It is getting better, and I am planning for this year to be a good year. Here are the goals I have set for this year, and I plan to keep them!

1. Unfortunately, with my health situation, I did let my eating get out of control a bit. I relapsed into some bad habits and am already making the changes necessary for the good. Depression is something I continually have to watch, and comfort eating needs to be removed!

   
   

2. Again, my health concerns kept me from optimal workout routines. I had to drop my strength training class and had to tone down some of my exercises in other classes. I was upset about this, because I was making great progress. Now, I am able to do the strength training class and plan to start it this week. I am also able to fully engage in my classes, and that makes me happy. Exercising with my workout buddies and walking with my husband brings me joy, and this year will be filled with it.

3. I don't know why this is the case, but it is what it is: I struggle to drink water in the winter. When it is hot outside, no problem, but when it is cold out, it is a struggle! Drink the water, woman! It helps flush the system and refreshes the body! Note to self: Stop slacking off!!!

4. Start blogging again. This has helped me stay focused on my goals. I took some time off because of a busy Thanksgiving/Christmas season. I am going to make the time to write. I have some catching up to do with travel and healthy living posts. I will be writing about Spain, Portugal, and Alaska in the coming weeks. I fell way behind on those posts...

5. Learn a plethora of songs on the drums and new techniques. In May, it will be a year since I started playing them. I did not think I would already be leading in worship at our church while still learning, but here I am doing it! It is a dream come true for me to play them, and I am loving every minute of it!

6. Crochet more baby hats and blankets, and adult-size blankets for Stitch Sisters. We have a new ministry we added last year. We are making blankets for cancer patients for a clinic in Marble Falls. Because of a busy schedule, I was too tired to crochet. I usually crochet at night when I am watching TV. I have started making myself work on the projects, and no more excuses!! Note to self: Stop slacking off!!!

7. Continue to limit social media. This has been a great help for my mental health. I did not realize how much anxiety and depression it was causing. I am going to be who I am and not care about what others think. Life is too short for that kind of negativity! I do check in with family and friends, and that is the main reason I have stayed on at all.

8. Enjoy family and friends more. Strengthening those relationships is important to me. They each bring laughter and encouragement to me, and I am thankful for them. Sharing good and bad times together is what makes for great companionship, and having those influences in my life helps make it worth living.

9. Most importantly, I am going to continue my commentary studies and read other books that will help me grow in my faith. I will never learn everything, but going through scripture in depth has been so rewarding for me. Poor Mr. Grumble, I always have lots of questions, and he is always there to answer them! He is the one providing me with all the learning resources! I have been doing it for a few years now and feel a closer connection with the Lord than ever before. He is my strength and shield, and I am thankful for Him in my life.

This year has already started out great, and I plan to keep it that way. Ups and downs will always be a part of life, but I am choosing to look at the positives. I am excited to see what this year is going to offer and encouraged by what is happening already! What goals have you set for yourself? I hope and pray you succeed in all of them, and this is a great year for you all as well.

Proverbs 16:9 - "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

My consistent travel buddy who has my heart!