Foundations

Small rituals and a more analog approach to 2026

As I look ahead to 2026, I keep coming back to the idea of foundations — and to living a little more analog. Less rushing. Less reacting. More presence in the everyday moments that actually shape my days. Not in a dramatic, unplug-everything and move off the grid kind of way (though sometimes I daydream of doing that!), but in a quiet return to practices that help me feel grounded, clear, and connected.

These are the foundations I’m building on in 2026:

Journaling.
A place to slow my thoughts down and be extremely honest with myself. Less about writing something insightful or for public consumption, and more about noticing patterns, processing decisions, and checking in with myself as life and work evolve. It’s a habit I had in my late teens and early 20s and I’d love to return to it this year in a consistent way.

Walking outdoors.
Movement without performance or agenda. Time to think, reset, connect with nature and come back to myself or to connect with someone in my life. Some of my clearest decisions — or best conversations with friends — happen on foot.

Reading — and keeping a book with me.
Choosing depth over distraction. I want to get into the routine of having a book in my bag or in my car as an alternative to scrolling when I am waiting for something. I also love the idea of an “analog bag” and maybe I’ll explore that as the year moves forward!

Personal uniforms.
Clothes I don’t second-guess. Outfits that feel like me and remove friction from my days while remaining true to me and how I like to dress. Consistency here gives more energy for everything else (and reduces mindless shopping).

Accessories and styling as anchors.
The small details make a huge impact and keep everyday style feeling fresh and intentional — a great belt, an interesting bag, layered jewelry I don’t overthink. These pieces ground my looks and help me feel put together even on busy, imperfect days. They also make it easy to maintain a mix and match wardrobe of tried and true pieces.

Focusing on core categories.
In my business, this year is about narrowing rather than expanding. Returning to our core, doing fewer things better, and trusting that depth is what creates lasting momentum in 2026.

Margin in the schedule.
White space that isn’t an afterthought. It gives room to think, to create, to be present, and to pivot when needed, and it’s so valuable for family time to not have a packed schedule. Over the years I’ve realized how essential this is as a foundation, not a reward or to be saved for vacation.

Rituals of connection.
Regular date nights with my husband, and weekly “friend hours” at the coffee shop with friends that live nearby. Small, repeatable plans that fit into real life and build closeness over time.

I’m also giving myself permission to be a little weirder — to follow curiosity and let things be less polished. Foundations, for me, aren’t about starting over. They’re about returning to what supports me being myself, and letting that guide how I move through my year.

I’d love to know — what are you focusing on in your own life for 2026?