Childlike Wonder

Childlike wonder, where everything, especially the trivial things truly are important.

The older I get the more I crave the simplicity of being. Exhausted by the hustle, the grind of making things happen, my desire for 2026 is to rest in alignment. This feels like the difference between walking on an inclined treadmill rather than a brisk jaunt through a treelined nature path. Breathing space is what I welcome.

Flow and alignment are two of my favorite words of 2026. I am leaning more into the power of intentionally choosing how and where I spend my time. Following my curiosities, saying yes to the things that bring me joy and lingering longer over coffee, beautiful views, and conversations that move me closer to the essence of who I am, a fifty-something year old woman with a voracious appetite to soak up the life out of life.

I found a group of women, or they found me. Either way we are in each other’s lives for a reason, a season, and possibly a lifetime. We crossed paths at a book club meeting at our local bookstore. Our book club quickly became a social club. We gather to uplift, support, create, inspire, and make space for authentic connection. Over the past few months, we have had passion project coffee meetups, a holiday gift basket exchange, and a real and fake tattoo party just to name a few.

In celebration of Galentine’s Day and in honor of our elementary school years, we made or purchased valentine trinkets for each attendee and brought a mailbox to collect our goodies. We sat in a circle a discussed topics related to love, grief, self-care, menopause, motherhood, and honoring ourselves. Although the topics were deep, the mood was light, supportive and peppered with lots of giggles. Reminded me of being at a middle school slumber party in all off the best ways.

Sitting cross legged on my bed, I unwrapped each valentine with care. Reading the heartfelt sentiments filled me up. How generous of spirit, gracious, and intentional. In this season of life, I am saying yes to more opportunities to embrace whimsy, charm, and play. I believe this is the pathway to welcoming the unfolding more joy, creativity, harmony, and fun.