Crafted & Called

---

Last night, I spent the evening sitting with my thoughts, thinking about the upcoming year and what I want 2026 to look like. I found myself reflecting a lot on the goals I set for 2025 — the ones I had the best intentions for, the ones I really wanted to accomplish… and the ones I honestly didn’t fully follow through on.

And that’s okay.

As we all know, a new year really does feel like a clean slate. A fresh start. Not in a “new year, new me” kind of way, but more in a gentle, honest reset kind of way. I took time to think about some personal goals I wanted to work on this year — many of which were on my list last year too — but ones I didn’t truly make the effort to prioritize. Life happened, creativity felt blocked, energy was low, and some things just fell by the wayside.

One thing I did accomplish, though, was reading.

My goal for 2025 was to read 60 books. I didn’t hit that number — I read about 45 — but honestly? I’m proud of that. I could have read zero books. Instead, I chose to read. And that matters. I’m probably not going to finish another book before December is over (though I can try), but come January 2026, it’s a fresh start all over again.

So here are a few goals I’m carrying into 2026 — not with pressure, but with intention.

First and foremost: Jesus, prayer, and the Word.
This is my number one priority. Always. I want to dig deeper in prayer, read my Bible more intentionally, spend real time with Jesus, and not compromise in putting Him first. Everything else flows from that, and when I don’t make space for it, I feel it in every area of my life.

Second: My health.
I really want to get serious about taking care of my body — especially when it comes to my migraines. That means taking a closer look at my diet, eliminating potential triggers like gluten and sugar, and moving my body more. I had a goal last year to start running outside during the winter… and I didn’t even attempt it. Not once. So that’s something I want to change this year. I want to exercise more, get some weight down, and really learn what my body needs so I can get my migraines under control.

Third: Creating more than I consume.
This was also a goal last year, and I still feel strongly about it. America has a serious overconsumption problem — and that includes social media. I want to be wiser with my time, spend less of it scrolling, and more of it creating and being present.

Part of that means getting back into my art business. I did some things last year, but not nearly as much as I hoped. Life got busy, and honestly, I felt like I hit a massive creative block that kept me stuck. This year, I want to pursue my passions more intentionally — especially art.

I have so many ideas: stickers, bags, clothing, designs. My husband got me a sewing machine for Christmas (yes, I already opened it — I sent him the link, so it wasn’t exactly a surprise 😅). Along with my Cricut and artwork, I want to learn how to sew and eventually make a lot of my own gifts — maybe even Christmas gifts for 2026. Crafting, creating, making things with my hands — that’s something I really want to lean into again.

I’m also excited because I have a project coming up illustrating a children’s book for a friend from college. I’ve already started thinking through scenes and layouts, and it feels good to have something creative to pour into.

Fourth: Upcycling, thrifting, and being more mindful.
This is something I used to love doing, and somewhere along the way, I drifted from it. I want to get reestablished in thrifting, upcycling, and being more eco-conscious. Overconsumption is a real issue, and I want to be more mindful of what I buy, choosing secondhand when I can and only buying new when it’s truly necessary.

Along with that, I’ve been decluttering my space — and honestly, my mind too. Just yesterday, I filled another donation bag with clothes I haven’t worn or don’t plan to wear, and I’ll be dropping it off soon. Decluttering feels freeing. I want to simplify, be more intentional, make more of my own items (even things like homemade mouthwash), and just live more consciously in 2026.

Another big goal: budgeting and finances.
Andrew and I have been doing pretty well with saving and being more intentional with money, but I want to tighten things up even more. Better budgeting, clearer goals, and continued discipline.

Quality time with my husband.
This one is really important to me. Last year, we did a good job finding little activities to do together — like building Legos — that helped us step away from screens. I want to continue that and find new ways to spend intentional time together that don’t always involve phones or TV.

Being better at staying connected.
I want to call, text, and check in with friends and family more often. I’ve been better about it this year, but I know I can do more. I’d love to intentionally set aside a day each week to reach out — something that works for them and for me.

Continuing my Life Coaching journey.
This is another area where I had to press pause last year. Things got busy, schedules filled up, and even though it’s something I care deeply about, it ended up taking a back seat. In 2026, I really want to pick this back up and continue pursuing life coaching intentionally. I know it aligns with my heart for helping others, walking alongside people, and offering encouragement and guidance. It’s not something I want to rush, but it is something I want to be consistent with again — even if that means taking small, steady steps forward.

Travel is always going to be part of our goals.
Another goal Andrew and I have — and honestly, one we already lived out this past year — is traveling. This year, we explored so many different places throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island, and it was pretty amazing. There’s something really special about discovering places close to home, slowing down, and actually taking the time to explore instead of rushing through life.

Looking ahead to 2026, we’re dreaming a little bigger too. One idea we’re considering (and still praying about) is possibly visiting London and staying there for a few days. It’s not set in stone, but it’s definitely been on our hearts as something we’d love to experience together.

There’s also the possibility of going to Nepal for missions with a pastor we’ve made connections with this year. That would look very different than a typical trip, and it’s something we’re holding with open hands — seeking wisdom, timing, and direction. Whether it’s traveling locally, internationally, or stepping into missions opportunities, we want our travels to be meaningful, intentional, and aligned with what God is doing in this season.

And finally: learning a language.
This was another goal I didn’t stick with last year. I’m still figuring out which language I want to commit to, but once I decide, I want to dedicate at least an hour to studying and practicing consistently.

All in all, I’m heading into 2026 with grace for myself, clarity about what matters, and a desire to live more intentionally — spiritually, creatively, relationally, and physically. I’m not aiming for perfection. I’m aiming for presence, consistency, and growth.

Here’s to fresh starts, unfinished goals getting a second chance, and choosing intention over pressure.

Xoxo, Roxie