Hello 2026, you’re going to be special, I just know it.

Embracing a new year with a word of intention is such a powerful practice. For me, 2026 is all about BLOOM, a culmination of a transformative period. Looking back, the past year truly felt like "The Year of Being," a time dedicated to prioritizing rest in a way I never had before. This wasn't just about physical rest, though that was paramount with my Scleroderma and the incredible journey of pregnancy. It was about mental and emotional stillness, allowing myself to simply be through monumental life changes. That mantra of "one step at a time" became my guiding light. From managing everyday pregnancy symptoms and countless OB appointments to the intensity of delivery and the haze of postpartum, it felt like a lifeline. I remember moments lying on the couch, baby close, just focusing on that single step, that single breath. Matrescence, the profound transformation into motherhood, is a whirlwind. One image that always sticks with me is the ultrasound, seeing that little profile, affirming the "one step at a time" approach. It helped me navigate the feeling of being an "alien" in my own body, trying to understand this new identity. This journey also brought a profound understanding of "Elimination without Addition." It wasn't just about decluttering physical spaces, but also mental and emotional ones. Letting go of expectations, of pressures, and of anything that didn't serve my new reality as a mom with a chronic condition. This radical process led to feeling truly "unrecognizable" in the best possible way. I learned to stand still, stay present, and remain deeply rooted in being, rather than constantly doing. It’s a beautiful paradox: by eliminating, I gained so much more clarity and strength. Now, looking ahead to 2026 and my word, BLOOM, it feels like the natural next stage. After a period of such intense internal work and transformation – bringing a miracle into the world, navigating health challenges with a medical device, and embracing matrescence – it’s time to outwardly express that growth. It’s about allowing everything that was cultivated in quiet introspection to unfurl. This isn't about striving for perfection, but about embracing the organic, sometimes messy, nature of blossoming. It's about continuing to honor that gratitude for life, and to lean into positive change with an open heart. What does blooming mean for you?