Happy New Year. Truly. Before the responsibilities return and before you begin supporting everyone else, I want to begin with a moment of celebration for YOU. You made it through another year of leading, caring, juggling, and carrying more than most people will ever understand. So, take a breath with me. You deserve this pause.
Grab a cup of tea or coffee. Pick up a pen and some paper. And let’s do this together as you read. Do not put this activity on your list for later. We are doing it right now so that afterward, you can place it proudly on your done list and add it to your Celebration Jar.
If you do not have a Celebration Jar and would love one, I’m creating beautiful jars you can purchase to support your celebration practice throughout the year. (Online shop coming soon — it’s on my action list for 2026.)
To help you follow along, here is the printable PDF version of this activity that you can use for yourself and share with your team: The Reengagement Reset PDF
This moment is more than a pause. It is a reengagement reset. A chance for you to reconnect with your own clarity and humanity before reconnecting with your organization and your role. Reengagement begins with the individual, not the system. It begins with you noticing yourself again.
And speaking of noticing things, I want to talk about fear. I recently realized I was not intentionally doing many things that scared me in a way that would stretch me. Not the big, overwhelming kind of fear, but the delicious kind that says, “Ooooh, this might grow you.” So, I am choosing courage on purpose this year. If you want a companion for this, The Fear Factory by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz is a brilliant, simple read that will make you rethink your relationship with fear.
Now, let’s begin your year with intention, honesty, and celebration.
Your First Awesome Step of 2026 – Your Reengagement Reset
Everything begins with a thought. Even you began as a thought. I do not know what that thought was, and I am definitely not asking, but something wonderful came from it because here you are. So, let’s begin with your own thoughts and desires for the year ahead.
Set a timer for ten minutes and write freely without judgment or limitation. Allow your heart to lead.
1. What experiences do you want in 2026?
What do you want this year to feel like? What moments do you want more of? What experiences matter to you?
2. How would you like to see yourself grow?
Where do you want courage to meet you? What strengths are ready to expand? What version of you is waiting to emerge?
3. What is the contribution you feel called to?
Think family. Think community. Think organization. Think self. What impact do you feel drawn to make this year?
Write without judgment. Let it be honest. Let it be real. Let it be yours.
Celebrate the moment when you finish. You invested in yourself. Place your page, or even a single word from it, into your Celebration Jar and let it be the first win of the year.
You are not stepping into 2026 alone. I am here with you, guiding, supporting, and helping you activate your awesome in real, joyful, and sustainable ways.
Final Thoughts and Your Next Steps for an Awesome 2026
If this reflection opened something inside you, here are gentle next steps that will support you throughout the year.
1. Sign up to receive your Reengagement Check-In.
It’s a simple monthly check-in delivered to your inbox that helps you stay connected and intentional throughout 2026.
2. Listen to the Activate the Awesome Podcast.
Launching at the end of January. Short, energizing episodes designed to support courage, clarity, and leadership throughout 2026.
3. Stay connected for the Activate the Awesome book launch.
Coming in 2026. A journey into reengagement, courage, self-belief, and the undeniable proof of your awesomeness.
4. Keep celebrating yourself.
You rise when you recognize your wins. You grow when you acknowledge your courage. You bloom when you stay connected to who you are.
And this is the energy I want to leave you with today:
This year is not happening to you.
This year is happening with you.
And I am right here, walking every step of the journey beside you.
Here’s to blooming where you are, reengaging with your brilliance, and activating the most awesome 2026 we could possibly create together!
Share this and start an AWESOME conversation today!