Good morning! Wow, it’s been two weeks since my last newsletter.
Between Ben starting daycare (preparing for that first day was more emotional than I expected) and navigating our first round of daycare bugs (poor little guy was starting to turn a corner, only to take a step backward again this weekend), life got a little fuller than expected. I missed writing, though, and it feels really good to be back.
In other news, July 2 marked the halfway point of 2026 (how did that happen?). While we’re a few weeks past it now, I didn’t want to miss the chance to check in on the goals and intentions I set back in January.
I love doing a midyear review. It’s less about grading myself and more about paying attention. It gives me a chance to celebrate what’s going well, notice what has changed and decide whether the goals that haven’t happened yet still matter. I’m always surprised by how I can completely forget a goal I was adamant about back in January! But the good news? It’s not too late. We still have half a year to go!
So, let’s dust off those goals and intentions and see how 2026 is unfolding.
My word for 2026: LITTLE
Back in December, I wrote: “As I look ahead to 2026 though, I wouldn’t mind a little less change. I know there will still be moments of transition, but I’m looking forward to a year of catching my breath and continuing to find our new normal. After a year defined by big moments and big changes, I want to focus on the little things: settling into new routines, paying attention to the everyday actions that quietly add up and soaking up just how little Ben is right now.”
✅ Update: I’ve thought about the word Little often this year!
It has reminded me to pay attention to the small moments, embrace slower days at home and soak up this season with Ben. Aside from the big change of changing jobs for the first time in ten years (which definitely wasn’t on my radar when I chose this word!), this really has been a year of little so far.
Personal Care & Growth
✅ Embrace a soft re-entry back to work. Ha! I definitely didn’t know I’d be changing jobs when I wrote this one. But honestly? It’s turned out to be one of the best surprises of the year. I’m really happy in my new role.
Another thing that made my return to work so much easier was having Ben cared for by Matt during his paternity leave and then by both of our parents while we waited for a daycare spot. We never planned it that way, but looking back, that slower transition was such a gift.
➡️ Listen to more audiobooks. I really want to become an audiobook person, but I haven’t quite made it a habit. That said, I have listened to a couple of great books this year, which is more than I can say for prior years!
Looking ahead: I’ve heard great things about The Calamity Club audiobook. Now that I have a regular daycare commute, maybe this is finally the habit that sticks.
✅ Take a solo overnight trip. It wasn’t a solo trip, but Matt and I went to our friends’ wedding in May and left Ben with my parents overnight. It was a big milestone for us and went great!
Health
✅ Establish care and an annual appointment rhythm in Indianapolis. I am really proud of my progress here!! I’ve established care with a primary care doctor (and got bloodwork done), a dentist and a dermatologist. And I love how much easier it is to keep up these appointments once you’re established and in the system.
➡️ Start running again. Slowly but surely, I have started again. I’d love to run more, but I’m still settling into our new daycare and work routine. Exercise seems to be one of the first things to slip when life gets busy, which I don’t love – but I also know this is just the season I’m in.
Looking ahead: I’d love to settle into a routine where running feels like a regular part of my week again. Especially while the weather is nice!
✅ Try Orangetheory Fitness. Yes! This has been such a fun addition, especially because Matt and I typically go together (when we can get coverage for Ben). We haven’t been quite as consistent over the summer, but it’s been something we’ve both really enjoyed.
Relationships
✅ Practice a nightly check-in with Matt. I loved the idea of asking, “What was one good thing today?” To be honest…I don’t think we ever actually did this. 😂
But we have stumbled into another question that’s become part of our mornings: “What do you need from me today?” It’s such a simple question, but it’s surprisingly powerful and helps us go into the day feeling like a team.
✅ Cherish a daily moment with Ben. Absolutely. ❤️ Right now my favorite part of the day is giving him his bedtime bottle in his room. It’s quiet and calm, and we cuddle before he goes to sleep.
➡️ Plan for and celebrate Ben’s baptism and first birthday. Ben was baptized in April, and we celebrated afterward with family at our house!
Looking ahead: Now I’m starting to think about his first birthday on October 1. Excited to throw a little party for him!
❌ Build some monthly community rhythms. Not much progress here… I’d still love to find a book club or another way to build community here in Indianapolis. It just hasn’t been the priority this season – and that’s okay. Rather than feeling guilty about it, I’m giving myself permission to let this one go for now.
Creativity & Fun
✅ Write this newsletter more consistently. Okay…maybe not the strongest week to claim consistency after disappearing for two weeks. 😅 But honestly, zooming out, I do think I’ve been much more consistent than last year. I’m especially motivated by the new branding and website refreshI worked on earlier this year with a talented designer and web developer. It makes me excited to sit down and write every week!
✅ Establish a weekly writing routine. Yes…and no. There have been stretches of early mornings or Sunday Starbucks writing sessions that felt great, but I’d still like to make it more consistent.
➡️ Start writing book reviews on Goodreads. I’ve posted a few reviews, but then I fell out of the habit. This is a fun habit and I’d like to bring it back!
Looking ahead: I think the key is writing the review as soon as I finish the book, before I move on to the next one.
Home & Finances
✅ Start a weekly review and monthly reset practice. Yes! This is definitely a habit I’ve built this year, and I love it.
✅ Ruthlessly unsubscribe from emails. Yes…but ugh how do more emails just appear the second you unsubscribe from twenty others? It takes constant vigilance.
❌ Commit to the 24-hour rule for purchases. Hahaha…no. This is one of those goals that felt relevant in January, but then I completely forgot about it. It’s not speaking to me anymore… so, officially retiring for 2026.
So there you have it! I’m feeling good with my progress at this halfway point – and also really excited to see what the rest of the year holds.
I’d love to know: how is your year going? Does it feel like we’re halfway through the year? And what are you looking forward to for the rest of 2026?
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