Looking Forward to 2026

I think we can all agree on one thing: 2025 was hard.

Not “haha that was a rough week” hard—character-building, plot-twist, what-is-even-happening hard.

Ironically, 2025 was the Year of the Snake. And if you know me, you know I’ve always had a soft spot for snakes—partly because, yes, I’m a Slytherin. And before anyone gets dramatic: not all Slytherins are villains. We’re ambitious, strategic, and relentless when we care about something. (I can’t speak for everyone—because, as we learned from the Harry Potter series, not everyone actually embodies their house. Looking at you, Gilderoy.)

Rewatching that series as an adult hits differently. You start noticing how eerily similar it is to real life—especially the way people present themselves. Social media is polished. Reality? Not so much. I’ve met a real-life Gilderoy Lockhart, and let me tell you… it was exhausting. But there’s something powerful about staying focused, keeping your head down, and letting time do what it does best—reveal the truth.

The year started rocky. Like really rocky. But as the months unfolded, so did perspective. Each chapter brought its own twists, frustrations, and moments that made me question everything—but somehow, on the other side of it all, things started to feel lighter. Clearer.

Better.

There were moments that exposed just how broken certain systems are. Even with evidence. Even when you’re doing everything “right.” I learned—again—that power doesn’t always listen, and advocacy often comes with consequences. There’s a unique kind of fear that comes with standing up for yourself while wondering if someone might come for your livelihood.

What is that?

Seriously—what is that?

One thing became crystal clear this year: I don’t tolerate ego well. Especially the kind that thrives on undermining others. It’s such a strange flex—because what you don’t know, someone else might. Someone else might have a better method, a different perspective, or a solution you never considered.

I’m still working on this lesson, but I’ve accepted a hard truth: closed-minded people will never understand what it’s like to see the world through someone else’s lens. That truth hit especially hard after being diagnosed with my neurological conditions and placed on disability. It’s easy to joke, dismiss, or criticize when you’ve never had to live on the other side of it. When you have no idea what that reality actually looks like.

But that’s okay.

Because instead of shrinking, I did what I always do when someone tries to knock me down—I smiled, took a sip of coffee, and quietly said, “Hold my coffee. Watch this.”

I poured myself into learning. Into growing. Into my career path in web design and development. I challenged myself, expanded my skill set, and built something that not only strengthened my confidence—but my future. And now? I’m content. Grounded. Proud of where I stand and excited for what’s next.

2026 is the Year of the Horse—and that feels fitting. It’s about forward motion. Strength. Momentum. No more standing still.

Looking ahead to the Year of the Horse, I’ve been thinking about how much of this past year was about recalibrating. I focused hard on my mental health and my career — both necessary — but in doing so, I stepped back from something that once played a huge role in my recovery: hiking.

That wasn’t nothing.

Hiking was never just exercise for me. It was freedom. Grounding. Strength. At the same time, I learned something important about myself professionally: I thrive with goals, deadlines, structure, and discipline. Under better leadership, I functioned better — and I’m proud of that growth.

But my last doctor’s appointment was a reality check. Some results weren’t great, and I knew why. I had stepped away from the physical routines that kept me strong. A former physical therapist once told me, if you don’t keep up with your exercises, you’ll eventually regress. That stuck.

So this year is about balance. Moving forward without abandoning parts of myself that matter. I’ve signed up for my second Mammoth March — trusting my gut this time, just like I did last year when I knew my body wasn’t ready. I’m also holding myself accountable with my third 52 Hike Challenge, because apparently, I do best when there’s something to work toward.

The Year of the Horse feels fitting. Forward motion. Strength. Momentum. This time, I’m bringing my whole self along.

Cheers to looking forward to 2026.

With love,

CT 💙