Choosing Intention Over Autopilot: A Mindful Bridge Into 2026
Dec 19, 2025
There’s a quiet window that opens every year — and most people miss it.
It’s not the frenzy of the holidays.
And it’s not quite the full-throttle “let’s goooo” energy of the new year either.
It’s that in-between space — when calendars are still a little loose, routines haven’t snapped back into place, and life hasn’t yet given you that energetic kick in the pants.
Many people are still off.
Others are easing back in.
And almost everyone feels something shifting.
This year, instead of rushing to plan, fix, or optimize…
I chose to pause.
I intentionally stepped back — not just from social media, but from being “on” in my business — and leaned into something far more powerful:
Presence.
Family.
Connection.
Laughter.
Stillness.
And the simple rhythm of each day as it arrived.
No pressure to close out the year perfectly.
No scrambling to map out the next one.
Just living — intentionally.
Living With Attention on Intention
Through mindful observation, curiosity, and yes — a dash of humor (because self-reflection can get a little quirky 😉), I stayed rooted in the present moment.
I wasn’t future-tripping.
I wasn’t reviewing every high and low.
I was soaking in laughter.
Letting love fill my heart.
Moving in flow.
Each morning, before I even greeted the first face outside my bedroom door, I grounded into my centering practice.
Because how you start your day…
is how you show up for your life.
Attention on intention. Always.
And here’s what became crystal clear for me as I stand at the edge of 2026:
I am choosing intention — again and again.
Not autopilot.
Not obligation.
Not over-functioning.
Awareness.
Choice.
Presence.
I’m choosing to engage in my relationships on purpose.
To notice where energy is exchanged — and where it’s drained.
A dear friend says something that has stayed with me:
“I choose people the way they choose me.”
If a relationship is a mutual energy exchange, it’s nourishing.
If it’s not — walk away.
And if you don’t have the luxury to walk away?
Be aware.
Awareness is power.
Protect your peace.
Protect your presence.
Protect your energy.
Let this be food for thought as you prepare for what’s next.
The Art of Mindful Reflection
Mindful reflection isn’t about over-analyzing or fixing yourself.
It’s about leaning into your heart…
observing with curiosity…
and releasing judgment.
Here’s what I was reminded of (and what I encourage you to explore for yourself):
Clarity isn’t about having all the answers.
It’s about being present enough to ask the right questions.
4 Simple Steps for Meaningful Reflection
1. Pause and Observe With Curiosity
Step back from the hustle — even briefly.
Journal. Meditate. Sit quietly. Stare at the ceiling (zero judgment here).
What thoughts keep showing up?
What emotions are asking to be felt?
Patterns tell the truth.
2. Celebrate the Wins
What did you crush in 2025?
Big wins.
Quiet wins.
Internal wins no one else saw.
Maybe you:
- Took a leap
- Set a boundary
- Built consistency
- Or resisted pouring a drink every night 🍷😉
Every win counts.
3. Acknowledge Challenges Without Judgment
What felt forced or out of alignment?
These weren’t failures — they were feedback.
Guides showing you what needs adjusting.
Listen.
4. Ask Yourself: What Feels Aligned for 2026?
Which ideas light you up?
Which feel heavy?
Which feel exciting but unfamiliar?
Your emotions are your roadmap.
Let them speak.
The Wisdom of Emotional Attachment
Emotions aren’t “good” or “bad.”
They’re messengers.
Often, the places we feel most emotionally attached are the places holding our greatest insight.
How to Detangle for Clarity
- Acknowledge the emotion — name it
- Allow it to be — no fixing
- Look for the wisdom — what is it revealing?
When you stop wrestling your emotions, clarity emerges naturally.
Trust the Process: Manifesting in 2026
Manifesting isn’t about controlling every outcome.
It’s about alignment.
Set your intentions.
Hold them lightly.
Stay present.
Trust the unfolding.
Life has a way of lining things up far better than our overthinking minds ever could.
A Mindful Mantra to Carry Forward
“I am a creator of my reality.
I trust the process, embrace the journey, and welcome unexpected gifts.
I choose trust, surrender, and flow.”
A New Year Begins Before January 1st
As 2026 approaches, choose curiosity over pressure.
Here’s how:
- Reflect on what was
- Celebrate what worked
- Release what didn’t
- Set intentions that feel alive
- Stay open
Clarity doesn’t require certainty.
It requires trust.
Closing Thoughts
This year stretched me.
Challenged me.
Expanded me.
I gained clarity in some areas, embraced uncertainty in others, and took risks that required courage.
And now?
I’m stepping into 2026 grounded, intentional, and open.
What about you?
What are you ready to release?
What are you ready to create?
What’s calling you forward?
Let’s design lives that feel aligned, joyful, and deeply inspired.
Ready to Begin?
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