The Midlife

A little funny from SNL

It’s 2026. This is the time of year when everyone talks goals and has that fiery exuberance of being unstoppable. And while I, too, have certain intentions set for the new year, I wanted to chat about the ‘in-between’ days of December 26 – December 31, which I declare my resetting stage. I’ll explain.

Leading up to the holidays (and here I mean Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa) and starting sooner and sooner, there is this rat race-like fervor of having to shop and to find the perfect gifts and decor and all of the celebratory fanfare. I don’t know about you, but I find it truly overwhelming. And not because I am some sort of Scrooge or Cheapo. I look around and see people looking grumpier, and it’s because Christmas trees started popping up right after Halloween, and Thanksgiving got offended because no one stopped to savor the parade or the pumpkin pie in all of its glory. It felt like racing on to the next thing and on to the next. Why couldn’t we all just stay in this moment? (Side note: I stepped into Target with my daughter so she could use a gift card, and I was astonished to see bathing suits. Meanwhile, yesterday was 24 degrees outside.)

All this to say that the in-between serves as a pause. With my husband off from work, my daughter on winter break, and myself off most of the same days, there was a quiet and comfort of not feeling rushed. Waking up when we wanted, taking naps, playing (video games, crafting), reading without restrictions, cooking, and eating – I relished it all more than ever before.

Perhaps free time is our most precious investment. In the in-between time, away from constraints and obligations, I thought about what I want more of and less of in 2026. I share this short list in the hope that you may resonate with it or get thinking about your own.

I want more laughter in 2026. Whether that’s watching a stand-up performance or laughing with friends, I am here for it.

I want more quality time with the people I could phone in an emergency; the ones that would pick up on the first or second ring or call you back immediately.

I want looser clothes and not because it’s usually at the top of everyone’s new year, new you mentality. Menopause got me good. I’m making it my b this year.

I want to bring more beauty into the world. I know this reads extremely cheeseball and all, but stay with me. I am an empath, which means that every time I turn on the news or read some of the headlines around the world, I get sad. I often wonder how as one person, how can I really make a difference? What can one person really do? Instead of feeling helpless, I am going to purposefully be the change, make the beautiful things I want to see more of in the world. Whether its comforting a neighbor in mourning or hand-crafting a gift (for no reason) for someone I want to make smile, I am seeking more of it in the new year.

I want less chasing. Every year, I chase people less. It’s OK to let your end down of the see-saw of friendships or associations that don’t bring you joy. I hope you’ll consider surrounding yourself with those that lift you up in every sense of the word. Find the cheerleaders.

I want less scrolling. This is tough because I love watching content creators that are funny or crafty or particularly skilled at a winged liner. So it will be tricky because our phones do provide a sort of companion in the quiet times of life (like in waiting rooms or when you arrive early to things).

I want less thinking, more doing. Can you talk yourself out of something easily? I can. I’m vowing to start more. Don’t overthink what can or could go wrong. Just do it. What is the worst that could happen? You fall on your face, get up, and try something else.

Now, dear reader, tell me what you think. What do you do in your in-between? What are your hopes for the new year? Please let me know in the comments.

Until then, may the new year be as gentle or exciting as you wish.