I’m usually very clear-minded about my goals for the upcoming year. I always have a list ready to go.
This year, however, I’m at a loss.
I have no idea what I want for 2026.
Perhaps it’s because I’m in constant survival mode, and it feels like a victory just to make it through each day. My goal for next year may simply be to survive — and that makes me sad.
“Survival” and “motherhood” seem to go together far more often than “thriving” and “motherhood.”
Why are mothers expected to survive (and make sure everyone in their home survives), but not supported enough to thrive as individuals?
Childcare is expensive.
Healthcare is expensive.
Hobbies take time we don’t have.
Moms tend to carry the bulk of the mental load for the household. We’re always in a hurry. We face expectations and judgment — from ourselves, from family, at work, at home.
So how are we supposed to thrive and feel hopeful about the upcoming year when so many of us are exhausted?
Sleep.
That’s what I want for 2026. More sleep.
And water. I desperately need to drink more water.
I’ve always been a planner. I’ve had a bucket list since I was a teenager. I checked off all but one thing on the “10 years from now” list I wrote as a high school senior.
But now I’ve entered a stage of life where I feel stuck.
No long-term plans.
No long-term goals.
Just survival.
Friends with older kids tell me this season is temporary — that it will change once both of my kids are in school and more independent. My therapist says the same thing. I hope they’re right.
I used to have hobbies.
I love to scrapbook. I made baby books for my nieces and nephew… but I haven’t even made them for my own kids. I don’t touch my violin outside of church, even though I used to practice regularly. I used to take dance classes. I was learning ballroom dance.
I don’t dance anymore.
A few months ago, I wrote about starting pelvic floor therapy and trying to regain my mobility. It only lasted a month before unexpected (and required) work commitments cut into the time I had blocked off for appointments.
So I wonder: how do I make goals? How do I make myself a priority?
“Self-care” and “motherhood” don’t seem to go together either.
Motherhood is hard, and it’s so easy to lose yourself in it. I don’t want that to happen to me.
So I will write my list.
Maybe I can set goals for 2026 that fit my current reality.
Aquí vamos:
Water. Seriously — I need to drink so much more water every day.
Stop doomscrolling before bed.
Wash my face and moisturize before going to bed.
Eat breakfast with protein before leaving for work.
Make my kids’ baby books.
Get a library card. Take my kids.
Go for a walk on the beach alone once a month.
That’s it.
That’s my list.
Not too ambitious.
Doable… I hope.
May we all have a peaceful start to 2026.
