February 2026 Planning
This essay appeared in the Monday morning newsletter on 2/2/26. Subscribe here!
Three Steps to a Happier Monday
Before we dive into a new week, let’s pause and ask ourselves some simple questions to reflect on where we’ve been, get excited about something today and set an intention for the week ahead.
GRATITUDE: What are three things I appreciated from the weekend?
TODAY: What’s one thing I can be excited about today?
INTENTION: What is my intention for this week?
For me, I’m thankful for the sun, new February decorations and time out of the house. Today, I’m most excited to have a quiet evening. And my intentionfor the week is to do an end-of-day ritual.
Okay, your turn! And if you want to share, I am all ears. 🙂
Monday Musings: February Goals & Intentions
It’s February, there’s still snow on the ground and freezing temps (even in Florida I hear!). But there are also nightly winter sunsets that paint the sky pink, and I notice the light lingering later each evening. Things feel good.
Sometimes I catch myself in the middle of an ordinary moment – clipping Ben’s nails, nursing without anxiety, making him belly laugh, having the energy to read before bed or wake up early to do something for myself – and I can’t quite believe it. There is some ease back in my day.
In the earliest months with Ben, when everything was so new, so unfamiliar, so all-consuming, I didn’t know if a sense of “ease” would ever return. I don’t take this feeling for granted. Compared to those early months (which were lovely in their own ways!), it feels like we’ve really settled into this new chapter.
Since Ben was born, February has echoed in the back of my mind: the month I go back to work. At times, it felt impossibly far away. At others, I could practically see the calendar pages flying by. I’m still working through how I feel about it, but I’m encouraged by the knowledge that even if it doesn’t feel easy at first, a sense of ease will come back – with time.
With that in mind, here’s what I’m planning to focus on in February.
Big Things Happening in February
+ As mentioned, going back to work mid-month
+ The Super Bowl on February 8 (though I’m not particularly partial to either team this year)
+ Valentine’s Day on February 14
+ Lent begins on February 18
February Goals
+ Register at my local library. I know – crazy that I haven’t done this yet! Since I rent most of my books digitally through an app called Libby, I’m still using my Chicago Public Library card. But it’s time to officially join my local branch and I would love to go this month when I still have flexibility in my weekday schedule.
+ Do an ‘ideal week’ exercise. I love this practice (I’ve written about it before here and here), and it feels especially important as I form new rhythms around work and intentional time with Ben.
+ Start a new workday morning ritual. I like the idea of a small pause before diving into work – maybe lighting a candle, listening to a certain playlist or simply sitting quietly for a few moments.
+ Lock in our meal-planning systems. It’s been wonderful to be a bit more relaxed with this while on leave, but with returning to work, I want to button things up. Planned meals and a fridge stocked with groceries always make the week run smoother.
+ Plan a family Valentine’s Day celebration. I love the idea of building a family tradition around this holiday. There’s no pressure this year – Ben won’t remember yet 😉 – but I’m excited about starting something. Did you have any favorite Valentine’s traditions growing up?
+ Host a game night. Something fun to have on the calendar later this month.
+ Gather tax admin items. Not as fun, but necessary.
What are you looking forward to this February?
From the archives: February 2025 | February 2024 | February 2023