Intentions

As I look back on the past month, I recognize how quickly Time can steal so much from us.

I am also grateful that before we rang in the new year, I took the time to set intentions for 2026.

In a society where we rush, race, and move at a pace that often leaves many people putting out fires all day, it’s important for each of us to take the time to reflect on our values and what’s most important to us.

January can be overwhelming with new year’s resolutions and this idea that we are starting fresh. It often has us writing huge goals. If the goals are not realistic or if we don’t have a plan on how we’ll take action towards the goals, it can leave us feeling overwhelmed, ill-equipped, and disappointed when the goals aren’t reached.

So often, life just happens to us. And soon a week, month, or the entire year has gone by and we’re left wondering where it went.

For me, I find myself going back to a simple Saturday in February of 2022. My daughter was 6 years old. I was intentional about this Saturday. We packed our ice skates, sleds, and a bag lunch and headed to a nearby park. We spent a few hours sledding and skating before finding our way to the park’s warming hut with our bagged lunch.

The two of us sat there by ourselves, me listening to what was going on in her life, at school and with her friends.

Then she said it. A few simple words that left me quite stunned:

“This is the best day of my life.”

What stunned me most about this statement was that just four days prior, our family had just gotten back from a vacation in Florida. We had been planning that week-long trip for over a year. We worked hard to save money for it.

And yet, just four days after that trip, my daughter stated that it was the best day of her life. At a park. A few miles from our home.

Now don’t get me wrong, our Florida vacation was amazing. We got to ride an airplane together, soak up the sun, sit by the ocean, and swim in a pool. But, it also humbled me to hear my daughter on that sledding day. What she craved most, was something easily within my reach:

Time and Connection.

I carry this story in my heart as a reminder of how I show up for my daughter, my family, and my friends. It helps anchor me in what means the most to me.

As I wrapped up 2025, I took time to be intentional about 2026. One of my goals for the year was to plan dates with my daughter. As she is getting older, my quality time with her is dwindling. She’s at a stage where being with friends is more fun to her. It’s fun to see her with her friends; and I recognize that each year she grows, the time spent with me will be less important to her.

I sat down with her in December and told her my idea. I shared with her that I wanted to be intentional and schedule monthly dates with just her and me. I told her I wanted to hear from her what sorts of things she’d want to do. Her face lit up.

I told her we could try to do it on the same day each month (for example, the 10th of every month). Or we could choose a day of the week (like on a Saturday). She asked if we could do it on Mondays, since it was the least favorite day of the week for her. I loved that idea.

Next we brainstormed ideas of what we could do. The list included things like:

Go to a movie
Swimming at a pool
Thrift store shopping
Play pickleball
Go out for dinner
And ironically, in a full circle moment, four years later sledding made the list again

In January, our first date of the year was going downhill skiing. It was her first time skiing ever and my first time in over 25 years. Fitting into the ski boots and clipping on the skis, had me quite nervous on how my body would handle it. But we both courageously tackled the bunny hill together.

Next was getting in line for the ski lift. I pointed out the people in front of us. We observed how and when they moved forward to align themselves to sit on the bench while it didn’t slow down for them.

As we were taking the ski lift up the hill, I felt my anxiety build as I thought of both of us beginners trying to stumble our way off the moving ski lift together. Again, I pointed out the people in front of us and how they were getting ready to exit the ski chair. Within seconds it was our turn. Just like that, we were celebrating that we had done it!

Hours passed and with each ski run, we gained confidence in our skills. We were enjoying nature, each other’s company, and I was loving the connection.

Soon she asked if she could try the ski lift and a run all by herself. At first, I froze with fear. Was she ready for that? What if she needed me? Then I realized she was capable. And I needed to let her have this independence.

I took a video as she got on the ski lift herself. I waved as she waved back, until her chair was out of sight. Then my momma-heart tried to wait patiently to see her come down one of the hills. Soon we were reunited and the smile on her face said it all! She loved the experience and asked if she could do the same thing again.

That was the only leverage I had to get her to leave the ski slopes that evening. Me telling her, “Okay, I’ll let you go one more time by yourself, but then we need to head home. It’s still a school night, you know.”

We already have our February date planned. It’s another night of skiing at the ski hill. This time she has a plan to try a new, more challenging run. This time my plan will be the same, soak up every minute that I get to have with her. Knowing that all too soon, she’ll be on her way without me.

Have you taken time to be intentional about 2026?

If not, I invite you to do that now.

What are a few of your core values (faith, fitness, family, fun, authenticity, connection, hard work, harmony, knowledge, simplicity, adventure, dedication)?

What goals and actions can you take to align your life with your values in an intentional way?

Share with me how you will be intentional in 2026. And remember, sometimes the most Beautiful intentions are the simplest ones.

May you find glimmers of Beauty, even through your Hard times.

~Janell

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