Preparing for what 2026 will bring

I recently watched a podcast in which they talked about an exercise for reviewing your year and setting new goals, and it struck me that I rarely do that. I certainly have goals, mostly long term, but a lot of my here and now often feels in the moment or on a whim. So, I applied her method and I first reviewed all of my photos in my phone from this past year I categorized my highest and lowest points from this past year, and this is what I saw.

I have a truly charmed life. We have a beautiful home, thriving family, the privileges of travel, and a robust social life. I am so profoundly thankful for these things. My lows in retrospect feel more like inconveniences or losses, rather than serious stumbling blocks or stop signs, and that is also such a blessing!

Now that I have had a chance to see my year with new eyes I can now sit back and truly understand what I want more of for this coming year. It's easy to say I want to travel more, see more, do more, exercise, eat right, and yadda...yadda... but that never feels sincere. So with that, I present my plan for 2026.

A Year of True Health, Presence, and Possibility

I’m setting intentions not just for what I do, but for who I plan to become. This year isn’t just about checking boxes in the areas of fitness or good nutrition, although those goals still exist, — it’s about cultivating true health: harmony of mind, body, spirit, relationships, and purpose.

True health means showing up — truly — for myself and for the people I love. It means being present in the moments that matter, listening deeply, feeling fully, and learning continuously. It means growing with intention.

Being Present & Self-Reflective

This year, I want to deepen my practice of being present in each day, whether it’s savoring a sunrise coffee or sharing laughter with family. I’m shifting from “busy” to aware — noticing the small moments that stitch together a meaningful life.

I’m also committing to more self-evaluation — not with judgment, but with clarity and compassion. What are my strengths? Where do I still want to grow? Where do I feel aligned with my highest self — and where do I feel called to evolve?

This purposeful reflection will guide how I navigate challenges and steer toward the life I envision — a life full of joy, connection, and fulfillment for me and my family.

Adventure, Curiosity & Open Minds

Adventure remains central to our family’s story. In 2026, we’re going deeper.

Not just travel — but learning through travel.

We’re leaning into explorations that challenge us, inspire us, and expand our perspective. We want to go to places that surprise us, push us outside our comfort zones, and teach us something new about the world and about ourselves.

That includes bolstering our skills with our boat — I plan on learning how to pilot our boat with confidence and embracing new waterways with an open mind. No hesitancy. No limits. Just the excitement of what we can discover together.

We want to be brave — not reckless — and to build memories that shape how we see life, connection, and possibility.

Joy That Radiates Beyond Us

This year, one of my greatest goals is to embrace the things that bring joy and happiness not just to me, but to those around me.

Joy is contagious. When we lead with joy — in small, everyday ways — we lift up the people we love and the community we’re part of. Whether it’s sharing a meal, taking an unplanned detour on a road trip, helping a friend in need, or laughing until it hurts — I want more of these moments.

This isn’t indulgence — this is the heartbeat of life.

Professional Growth with Gratitude & Grace

Professionally, 2026 is about continued improvement and deepening impact.

I want to keep sharpening my skills, strengthening relationships at work, and showing up with integrity, enthusiasm, and humility. I want to honor the respect I’m given — not take it for granted — and to accept accolades with graciousness and gratitude.

This year won’t be about perfection. It will be about progress, consistency, and growth — in craft and in character.

A Year of Alignment

So, here’s to 2026:

• To health that runs deeper than habits — into intention and presence.

• To adventure that stretches our souls and broadens our worldview.

• To joy that circles back to everyone we love and touches others.

• To work that matters and relationships that sustain us.

• To living not just with goals — but with purpose.

  
  

I’m driven not by unrealistic expectations, but by a clear vision of the life I want to build — for today, and for every tomorrow that follows.

Some events we have to look forward to this year include

• A year full of business growth for Andrew!

• A calendar full of travel by boat, on the docket, Put In Bay, Kelleys Island, Sandusky Bay, Huron, and maybe a trek back up into Lake St Clair!

• Our beautiful daughter's wedding!!!

• A Vegas trip...or two!

• Joining a new Yacht Club!

• and so much more!!

Here’s to a year of "becoming" — with courage, curiosity, and unwavering heart.

— Courtney Bailey, Navigate Nourish Nest