What I’m Looking Forward to This Year

I’m starting this new year a little different, and instead of working on a list of goals, I am writing a list of things I’m looking forward to over the next 12 months.

And yes, I’m posting this in February because I took January to think about this topic, and because there’s no right or wrong timeline for a list like this. We can pause and look ahead and decide what we choose to focus on at any time of the year. I hope this resonates with my fellow spoonies, as we’re often made to feel like we’re “behind” in so many ways. So whether you’re chronically ill or not, this is me giving you permission to pause and think about what you want to focus on in the coming year, whenever you feel ready to.

(I’m going to write another blog post soon about why I am waiting to set goals until later in the year, which I think is helpful for anyone, but especially for those of us with chronic illness.)

Brainstorming for this list has helped me to feel more excited and positive about the coming year. Last year, I experienced some small but meaningful milestones in my healing, but I’ve also experienced some intensely rough stretches of time over the last several months, and lots of ups and downs in 2025. So this list has been a really useful way to look ahead with anticipation and to keep my spirits up during the difficult winter.

I hope this post can serve as a journaling prompt for inspiration that goes beyond setting a resolution or goal for the new year.

What I’m Looking Forward To in 2026

 

• The Winter Olympics!

Somehow, I completely forgot the Winter Olympics were happening until I saw a social media post about them on New Year’s Eve, and suddenly my enthusiasm for 2026 increased exponentially!
Figure skating is my favorite sport, and as a bonus, the Olympics take place during my birthday month. I’ve really been enjoying watching the team figure skating event, and I’m looking forward to more of the competition.

 

• Go to Community Theater

I have been wanting to go to a live theater performance because I haven’t been in quite awhile. A local theater is putting on two shows that I’ve really wanted to see, so I already have tickets to one, and I plan to get tickets to the other as soon as they go on sale.
Having those tickets in hand feels like bonus points for helping me see that the things I’m looking forward to really will happen. Chronic illness comes with so much uncertainty, so I find that planning ahead and having time to anticipate fun events makes the benefits of glimmers even better.

 

• Host Two Parties

I’ve kind of turned into a party planning blog the last of couple of years, so you may have guessed that those are some of my favorite blog posts to write. I’m just really passionate about the idea that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a magical themed celebration, and I love sharing ideas for how to make party planning more accessible with low energy.

 

• Go Swimming Again

Ok, “swimming” is a stretch, but I was able to get into a pool last year for the first time in forever, and I didn’t have an asthma attack or allergic reaction to the chemicals in the water so, hey, bonus! Way to stay calm and not overreact nervous system and Mast Cell!
I can already close my eyes and anticipate how lovely it’s gonna be to get on a pool floatie in the sunshine.

 

• Wear my Halloween costume again

Some of my friends have kids who are big Frozen fans, so I would love to dress up as Elsa for them.
Also, I’m already thinking about my Halloween costume for this year, and that’s something I always look forward to! (I have yet to narrow down my options and pick a costume so stay tuned!)

 

• Embroider and Watercolor More

Finding ways to be creative is so important for me, even when (especially when) it’s challenging due to limited energy.
I find these two creative pursuits really accessible and rewarding, so they are the two I want to prioritize this year.

 

• Plant New Dahlias

My mom and I have been wanting to replace our dahlias that have faded to white or died out over the years, and we ordered some beautiful, colorful new bulbs this autumn. I’m looking forward to planting them when they arrive and seeing them bloom!

 

• Plan a Movie Night

I haven’t been to a movie theater since Avengers: Endgame almost ended me (my tachycardia was so. so. bad.). My brother has access to a mini movie theater, so we’re looking forward to watching a movie on a big screen.
And yes, the seats recline, hallelujah. Also, being able to push pause in a movie theater will be a huge plus.
PS check out my article on how going to a movie theater with reclining seats is a must for chronic illness.

 

• Make Jam

I loved making and canning jam as a kid and teen in 4H, and it’s something I have wanted to do but have been unable to do for a long time.
Last summer, I found an easy recipe for freezer jam, and it was so fun and rewarding to get back into doing something I’ve always loved, especially by finding an easier way to do it. Definitely going to use that recipe again this year.

So there’s my list for 2026!

Some thoughts if you want to create a list of your own…

Your list doesn’t have to look anything like my list. If creating a whole list feels like too much right now, just jot down one thing that you’re looking forward to over the next year, and have that be a mini beacon of hope.

If you look at your list later in the year and see something that you’re no longer looking forward to, switch up your list! This list can be dynamic and change according to what feels inspiring to you.

PS one last thing I’m looking forward to this year is getting onto my blog more and sharing more of my writing with you all. I hope you’ll stick around and be encouraged here, and I hope this is the start of a great new year for you!

PPS I wrote about choosing a focus for each month, vs a resolution for the whole year. It’s one of my favorite posts I’ve written and I think you’ll find it helpful as you look to the year ahead! Plus I made free printables to help you.

 

I hope this inspires you to create your own list, and if you do, I would love to hear how that goes in the comments!

 

Not a subscriber yet? Here’s how to sign up for updates and also gain access to my free printable gallery.

 

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Flexibility is Key—Creating with Chronic Illness
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Thoughts On “Sun Guilt” And How To Enjoy The Outdoors With Chronic Illness

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