Welcome back and welcome to 2026! The holidays are officially over and the dead season has begun. Now we ponder what life will be like when the days change from dreary, cold, and dark to warm, bright, and long. Spring and summer will make their debut before we know it – don’t forget to be where your feet are and make the most of today (no matter how chilly)!

I made my way back from Troy to Savannah reluctantly but surely. Being with my family is so joyful and helps my mental health incline, but I knew I needed the independence and friendships I have in Georgia. I have started internship: the beginning of the end as far as a Masters degree goes. All praise & blessings! Come July, I will be finished with school (for now at least, I suppose) and can get paid to work. About that time, Andrew will be returning home and, similarly to the weather, life will feel a little bit warmer and brighter with my husband home.

As for now, however, the new year brings a fresh new outlook on old habits that, you know, die hard. That’s the thing about resolutions… They’re really good at showing us how unfinished we leave some of our business. It’s important to note that our brains work on a reward system basis, did you know? When building new habits, do we ever take into account the risk vs reward? For instance, take working out to look better. The gratification for the uncomfortableness of working out does not show up immediately in terms of how you look. The brain takes the situation and says “risk: uncomfortable working out. reward: non?” However, consider working out to feel good. Typically, feeling better comes almost immediately after working out. Now, brain says “risk: uncomfortable working out. Reward: Feeling better physically, mentally, and sometimes, emotionally.”

For myself, I am choosing to be better about spending money. Some specific goals I’ve created for this running problem I have include having at least two no spend days a week and eating out no more than twice a week. The reward? More money in my account. And maybe getting a new skein of yarn at the end of the week.

The new year is full of opportunities! But don’t forget there should always be time to take care of yourself and find joy as much as possible.

With love!

Micala