One of the first hobbies that went out the window when I became a mother was goal setting. Well, maybe not out the window, but the goals changed substantially. When my first was born, the goals all became about feeding him and feeding me and surviving the crying. Now that he is more settled and I am more settled, I’m eager to get back to the things that made me feel like me. For me, that starts with setting goals. In the past, most of these have been fun goals for me to complete throughout the season or the year, like attend a ballet or scrapbooking weekly. Especially with three kids 4 and under, I’m not ready to aim for super lofty goals. I’m going to keep this year’s goals in line with our values and fun.

1. scrapbook weekly: Duh. This one is on here every year. It has not happened in years, but I am DETERMINED to get caught up on my scrapbooking and get back to something that brings me so much joy.
2. go RVing: After years of dreaming about buying an RV and traveling around in it, we finally bought one! I cannot wait to take it out for an adventure. I want to go on several adventures this year in the RV. Since this is all new to us, I don’t want to set too many expectations. I’m hoping we can go on at least 4 adventures (one a quarter) this year in our RV.
3. learn to make sourdough bread: I’ve been keeping my 2020 quarantine starter barely alive. I’ve tried to make bread a few times and it never goes well. For Christmas I got some new Rosehill Sourdough products and I’m excited to try again. Buying gear is annoying, but having the right stuff definitely can make a difference.
4. Raising Locavores: We want to raise our kids known where food comes from. We are going to try to spend this year focusing on eating and purchasing locally raised and grown food as best we can. With an ARFID kid, we will definitely still be purchasing his safe foods without guilt.
5. blog regularly: I have an editorial calendar that I have been working on (honestly, for years) and just haven’t stuck to it. My goal for this year is to post on my scheduled days. I’d love to get caught up with old posts and ahead on new posts, but just staying consistent in the main goal.
6. be healthier: I’m leaving this one super open, but I want feel better in 2026. I’m tired of feeling tired and sore and worn out. I’m hoping the eating local challenge will help, but I want to eat more fiber, move my body more, heal from my three c sections, try to stay on top of migraines, drink more water (somedays are all coffee and very little water), improve posture, and see doctors for pain instead of putting it off (GI for stomach pain, chiropractor, PT, etc.). It’s been easy to prioritize the appointments for the kids, which is a lot of appointments for our family, so it can feel extra hard to find providers, schedule appointments, and go to the doctor without all three kids. It’s impacted my daily life though and it needs to stop. I will be prioritizing true health (not wellness influencers advice) in the new year.
7. outside time: After following 1000 Hours Outside for a while, I can no longer recommend them based on their political beliefs and certain things they have shared that directly effects my family. I think the misinformation they were sharing was dangerous to families. For my family specifically, the misinformation about autism and neurodivergence adds to the stigma, especially when it’s being done for their financial gain. However, I do think that getting outside is important and it’s going to be a goal that we try to meet again this year. I was terrible at tracking last year, so it’s refreshing to have a blank slate to start with.
8. camera in manual: I have two nice cameras and I barely know how to use them. I’ve tried learning a few times, but got confused and frustrated when the photos weren’t turning out well. I want to learn more about how to operate the cameras in manual and take better photos.
9. read 26 books: My goal for last year was 30 and I read 17. I still want to aim high, but thought 26 fit with the year better and is a little more attainable. I’ve read a lot of parenting books as I became a mother, but I want to stop. Or I want to read books specifically about parenting autism. I want less advice in this new year, especially advice that doesn’t fit well into our lives. I want to read more fiction as well. I read a lot of nonfiction with audiobooks in the car, so I want to make sure I’m including more fiction books.

Years ago, Elise shared her more/less goals (2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016) . I did the same thing in 2021 and just now pulled it back out. The board still had the goals and I thought they were still helpful. I changed two, but I’m still determined to invite more creating, quality time, and local support into my year and let go of ordering too much takeout, spending too much money, and hearing unsolicited advice.

less takeout: I want to focus on food made at home. It makes me feel better and is better for our budget.

more creating: I want to stop scrolling, following, and watching people create and create more myself. If I want to do something, I always look up how other people are doing it before I begin and I want to start using more of my own creativity again.

less spending: I have some financial goals I want to reach this year and that won’t happen without intentional effort to curb spending.

more quality time: We spend a lot of time together as a family, but some nights I feel like I didn’t connect enough with the kids. I know I don’t connect with them enough alone. This year, I want more quality time as a family, including one-on-one moments with my kids. We are often busy with appointments and, though we are together, it feels a bit like we were just rushing around at the same time.

less advice: Whether its unsolicited advice from people we know or advice from parenting books, I want less of it. Our family has unique complications (autism, ARFID, and other medical issues) that other families just don’t understand. Receiving their advice always feels like mild shaming and it’s usually not helpful. I have been told that we should move because our neighborhood is dangerous, that I’m indoctrinating my kids into Disney by sharing my interest in Disney with them, and been regularly asked if we have tried smoothies. I’ve been told worse things as well that I won’t include here. All of it unsolicited. It’s taken time and practice, but we know our family values, goals, and obstacles more than anyone. Unless I’m seeking a specific answer, I’m going to try to limit the opportunity for unsolicited advice or politely turn it down.

more local: More ballets, more museums, more local produce, more locally raised meat and dairy, more community, more antique shopping, more thrifting, more Marketplace finds, more State Parks, more County Parks, and more.

What are some of your goals for 2026? Let’s keep each other accountable!