In this episode, I'm letting go of the pressure to "start strong" in January — and maybe giving you permission to do the same.

If your new year feels less like a clean slate and more like a slow crawl out of holiday chaos, sickness, or just plain exhaustion… you're not alone. This week, I'm sharing why I'm not beginning 2026 with a grand plan, a detailed vision board, or a perfectly mapped-out set of intentions.

Instead, I'm choosing the slowness of winter, the simplicity of small tasks, and the honesty of meeting myself exactly where I am.

Inside, I talk about:

• The moment back in 2012 that shifted how I wanted to enter the New Year — and why I stopped forcing a "fresh start."

• What this past holiday season really looked like (sickness, exhaustion, low capacity) and why big intentions were impossible.

• Why I'm choosing a slower, simpler beginning to 2026 — and letting clarity and momentum trickle in on their own timeline.

Here's to choosing what's real, sustainable, and aligned — not what's expected.

And if you want more reflections like this, you can join me over on Substack at THIS SEASON → blairbadenhop.substack.com