Ringing in the New
I’ve never been a New Year’s resolution person. It’s always felt like pressure to perform—how are you going to be a better / different / smarter / faster / more productive person next year? What are your goals and how will you achieve them?
Just reading that makes me want to pull the covers over my head!
But what if we changed our perception of what a new year symbolizes?
What if, instead of focusing on what you will do differently, you centered your attention on how you want to feel—or how you want to be?
Intention versus resolution.
When Winter Makes You Hibernate
I can fall victim to inertia, especially with evening activities in the winter. When it’s dark, I tend to hibernate, and it takes real effort to blast me out of my cozy zone.
But the truth is: whenever I make the effort to get to a yoga class or sound bath—in the dark!—it’s always worth it. Never a regret.
A New Year, A New Element
In Chinese astrology, 2025 was the Year of the Wood Snake—a season for transformation, shedding what doesn’t serve, and quiet introspection around living authentically.
This February 17, we transition into the Year of the Fire Horse—a call to live out the wisdom we gained with passion, purpose, and clarity.
To support you in this shift, I’ve been working on reflection questions for the New Year. Here are four to start with:
Reflection Prompts for 2026
1. What served you in 2025?
Think about the habits, activities, or moments that made you feel most like yourself—most alive, grounded, or authentic. (Hobbies, time in nature, meaningful connections, movement, quiet reflection…)
2. What made you feel like your most authentic self?
3. What do you want to carry forward into 2026?
4. What did you let go of—intentionally or not—that actually feels like a relief?
Next week, I’ll share more prompts and ideas for cultivating intentions and lifestyle shifts that support how you want to feel in 2026—not just what you think you “should” accomplish.
Until then, revel in the celebration of a new year, the possibility it holds, and the wisdom you’ve earned from 2025.
Your Move This Week:
Take 15 minutes to jot down your answers to the three questions above.Don’t overthink it—just notice what comes up when you ask yourself:
What served you in 2025?
What made you feel like your most authentic self?
What do you want to carry forward in 2026?
What did you let go of – intentionally or not – that actually feels like a relief?
Keep your reflections nearby for next week’s newsletter—we’re going deeper.
Happy New Year!
Warmly,
Dr. Krista
Olive Says
I’ve been working on my 2025 reflections too.
The sleep was good.
I got a new purple coat that keeps me warm on walks.
I made some peace with the holiday inflatables in the neighborhood.
I also discovered an interesting-smelling box under the little library in the neighbor’s yard. Mom says it’s labeled “Treat Dealer.” I can open it with my snout, sit politely, and Mom gives me a tiny treat. Excellent system.
And yes… I’ve been reflecting on Birdy, who has been here for a week.She’s annoying, but she tries to make herself small around me—quite impressive for a 60-lb, 9-month-old golden retriever with paws the size of oven mitts.