“I think I’m done,” I said one morning when I woke up. I was still in bed, and my eyes were half open. My alarm is going off, and I’m hitting the snooze button without looking. This was a few weeks ago, when I had the internal conversation that I was ready to leave my job. I didn’t want to quit, but I also knew I wanted to quit my job. My job had a lot more positives than negatives. I loved my team, my students, and what I had accomplished over the last four years. But my body told me that morning that I was done.
Now, finding a job in this economy? Challenging. But I also gave myself time to be picky. Looking at job listings that I knew I could do, but did I really want to do that? In our twenties, we hustle constantly. Work hard to learn new skills, get better roles, and use our free time to socialize as much as we can. My thirties have been all about how I can do the least: weekends that are relaxing, jobs that have boundaries, and extra money goes into savings.
After a few months of looking and, more importantly, being picky, I found a job. One that allows me to use my skillset and also have a life outside of work. After I put in my three-week notice, I started to doubt myself. Should I really leave? I hate change. So why am I changing things? I’ll admit I’m a little scared – but more importantly, looking forward to being challenged. When we have a job where we are not challenged and feel limited, it’s time to go. I had done everything I could in my previous role, and it was time for someone else to take it to the next level.
I’m also excited to have a job that allows me to do more during the day than just work. I love going to the gym or going on a long walk after work. Make time for laundry during the week so my weekends are free for relaxing or activities. I did the hustle thing in my twenties – working multiple jobs to make ends meet and chase promotions. Now in my thirties, I want hobbies, time with my husband, and not to feel tired all the time!
I’m also excited to have more time for this little corner of the internet!
I wasn’t planning on writing a resolutions post this year like I usually do. I have so many intentions for this season of life, but none of them felt like they could be wrapped up neatly into one word. Last year, I chose peace, and when I reread that post recently, it stopped me in my tracks.
One of my favorite things about a new year is the perspective it gives you. In the moment, it’s easy to feel stuck or like nothing is really changing—but a year later, you can see just how much growth was happening quietly in the background. At the beginning of last year, if I’m being honest, I felt a little scared. I knew I needed change, but I had no idea what that was supposed to look like.
Looking back now, it’s wild to realize how much unfolded. Almost everything I hoped for in 2025 actually happened. I fell back in love with reading. I gave myself permission to spend time alone and truly rest. I said yes to plans with friends—and we traveled a lot. When I sat down to make a year-in-review TikTok, I couldn’t even fit everything into one short video.
“New year, new me” is such a cliché, but the truth is—I really like who I am right now. Slowing down, letting go of pressure, and choosing to actually enjoy my life changed more than I expected. And as I step into this new year, that feeling is something I want to hold onto.
Choosing a word for the year sets the tone and direction of where I want to go. Last year when I chose the word peace, it honestly helped shape so much of my year: slowing down, boundaries, saying “no”, choosing to invest time in what really matters, and leaning into calm when I could find it. So what word for this year?
Soft Life
Okay, so like technically it’s two words, but hear me out! For me, soft life isn’t about being fragile or avoiding responsibility. It’s about choosing ease, intention, comfort, and joy over pressure and noise. It’s about building a life that feels good while you’re living it, not just feels good when you pause to look back. Last year, my nighttime routine became my favorite part of the day. At a certain time each night, I showered, did my skincare, put on comfy pajamas and got into bed with a book. I read a lot last year. More than 50 books and it became my favorite part of the day – to forget about the world and live in a fantasy one.
I’ve always believed that home, routines, and little rituals shape how we feel — like choosing warm lighting instead of harsh overhead lights, keeping cozy blankets within reach, or making sure your space feels restful instead of cluttered. Those intentional choices rippled into how I lived last year and how I want to live this year, too. I kept our home cozy and clean, so when we were home, we really could enjoy it. I also have been on a deep cleaning and purging journey this past year, and we got rid of so much clutter.
This year, I am looking forward to:
Slow mornings with coffee and a book or coffee
Using candles for lighting instead of overhead lighting
A home that feels cozy
Prioritizing rest without feeling guilty
Move slower because we don’t need to rush
Use the good things now and not save for a special occasion
A social calendar that doesn’t feel overwhelming
Reading books to get lost in a fantasy world
Weekends with nothing to do
Move my body more
Continue eating only whole foods
Romanticise the ordinary moments
Say no more
Why This Word Now
Last year taught me that peace isn’t just a moment — it’s a practice. And this year, I want that practice to stretch into how I organize my space, spend my time, care for my body, and show up for the people I love.
I want to romanticize the ordinary — making simple things feel meaningful. I want to turn down the noise and enjoy the small, quiet wins: afternoon coffee in a sunny spot, evenings lighting a scented candle after a long day, and showing up fully for the people who matter.
Here’s to a Soft 2026
Choosing Soft Life isn’t a one-and-done intention — it’s a gentle invitation to live life with more grace, more ease, and more presence. It’s about giving ourselves the permission to enjoy the moment we’re in — not just the moments we’re waiting for.
So here’s to a soft year — soft mornings soft routines and soft hearts.
Blonde Rosie Blog 