My Word for 2026: Consistency
Introduction
Happy New Year, friends! It feels so good to be back here writing after a bit of time away. I’ve been wanting to sit down and reflect for a while now, but life had other plans, in the best way. I spent the holidays back home, then headed south with my mom on her first-ever cruise, which turned out to be a reminder to slow down, unplug, and be present in the moment. Coming back to the city for the second semester of my third year has had me feeling reflective in a new way. As I eased back into routine and started thinking more seriously about my career and what’s ahead, I found myself asking a simple question: What do I want this next year to feel like? I’ve never been big on New Year’s resolutions, but one word kept showing up for me: “consistency.” After a year centered on relationships, self-love, and learning how to live in a new environment, this season feels like the right time to turn inward and invest in myself. I want to build routines that support me, move my body with intention, and listen more closely to what I actually need.
Why Consistency
I’ve never really been a New Year’s resolution person. After a few heavier mental health years, I’ve learned to use this time less for setting rigid goals and more for reflecting on the bigger picture. Honestly, I’ve always doubted whether I’d fully follow through on resolutions anyway. 2026 feels different. It feels clear. For the first time in a while, I’m genuinely excited to slow things down, try new things, invest in myself, and build routines that actually feel sustainable. The word that kept quietly popping up for me was “consistency.” Lately, I’ve been practicing consistency in small, meaningful ways, keeping a simple morning routine between lectures, eating a little better, moving my body, and spending more intentional time with friends. One of my friends in my building and I have even been holding each other accountable by going to our gym and doing Pilates together. None of it feels forced. It feels grounding. I’ve always been really good at picturing the life I want, imagining it, dreaming it, but acting on that vision and staying consistent has always been the most challenging part. For the first time, though, I feel ready. 2026 genuinely feels like the year I follow through. I spent a lot of 2025 getting to know myself, my wants, my needs, and my limits. Now, I want to enjoy life while also growing my skills, building routines, and opening myself up to new opportunities. Consistency feels calm, steady, and supportive, not overwhelming, and right now, that’s exactly what I need.
A New Season of Life
Returning to the city for my second semester feels like stepping into a new season of life. I’m living alone again, feeling more settled and more independent, and finally giving myself the space and time to focus inward. This year looks different from last. I’m back at school full-time while working part-time, whereas last year I was at school part-time while working full-time at Walt Disney World. The shift feels more balanced, but it’s also come with its own learning curves. One thing I’ve been honest with myself about is my relationship with food, especially my consistent eating. I can easily go an entire day without realizing I haven’t eaten, so this year I’m making a conscious effort to slow down, cook more of my own meals, and actually fuel my body. I’m learning to listen to what my body needs instead of pushing through on empty and calling it productivity. Consistency has also been evident in movement and care. Pilates has become something grounding for me, and, of course, daily walks with my dog, Moose, braving the cold together, even though neither of us loves it, have turned into small but meaningful rituals that keep me present. I’m also trying to be more intentional with what I own. Buying less, choosing better quality, and resisting the urge to spend money on things I don’t really need feels like another quiet form of consistency, one rooted in care, sustainability, and self-respect. This season isn’t about significant changes or dramatic shifts. It’s about showing up for myself in steady, intentional ways and trusting that those small choices will add up.
Looking Ahead
I’m slowly learning that showing up regularly matters so much more than showing up perfectly. I want to build routines that actually support me, both my body and my mind, without feeling restrictive or overwhelming. Moving my body, listening to what it needs, and investing in myself in small, everyday ways feels far more sustainable than chasing significant transformations. These quiet moments of care don’t always feel dramatic, but I’m starting to see how much they add up. As I think about my career goals and what’s ahead, I’m becoming more intentional about the life I’m building. I want something that feels fulfilling, balanced, and aligned with who I am, one that supports my creativity, my independence, and the version of myself I’m growing into. I also want to create a life that feels steady and comfortable for both Moose and me. Consistency helps me trust myself more and know I can show up, even on slower days. Growth doesn’t need to be rushed to be meaningful. Right now, I’m focused on laying a strong foundation rooted in steady habits, purpose, and care, and letting my future take shape slowly, intentionally, and on my own terms.
Conclusion
As I step into 2026, consistency feels less like discipline and more like trust, trusting myself to show up, even on the quiet days, and believing that the small, steady choices actually matter. I’m not chasing dramatic change or overnight transformation. I’m choosing gentle growth, routines that support me, and a pace that gives me space to breathe, to create, and to be present in my own life. This year is also about being bold with my career goals while staying patient with the process. I’m giving myself permission to dream big, take opportunities seriously, and build a future that feels genuinely aligned with who I am, without rushing, forcing, or burning myself out. That’s really what consistency means to me right now: a balance between ambition and ease. Coming back to writing reminds me of that intention. This space has always been where I check in with myself, reflect on where I’m at, and make sense of the direction I’m moving toward. I’m grateful to be here again, setting clearer goals, moving forward with intention, and building routines that support the long-term life I want. Here’s to a year of showing up consistently for my body, my work, my creativity, my dog, and my future. Slowly, intentionally, and with confidence.
My 2026 Vision Board (Desktop Wallpaper)
