Episode 7: What Are You Pouring into 2026? Let’s Talk About this Year’s Goals

I’m Renea, a retired educator turned wine bar conversationalist. This is Conversations Over Wine—where wisdom is poured and stories are shared.

Each week, we slow down, pour a glass, and talk about life’s lessons, aging with intention, and what really matters as we grow older. I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s begin.

Ahh… the new year has arrived and with it comes the opportunity to set new goals and work towards making it count. I don’t want to see the year breeze by me, then wake up at the end of December and wonder where the year went. Together, let’s put some dreams, plans, and action steps in place so we can make it a year we won’t forget.

This year is the Year of the Fire Horse which will officially begin on Feb. 17th. The Year of the Fire Horse is an opportunity for creativity, breaking old patterns and habits, and provides the chance to go after your goals with a passion.

This year I want to continue with those goals as I want them to be more about lifestyle changes and not just temporary fixes. I plan to continue my health journey of daily exercise and movement including walking and weight training. I plan to make the majority of my meals be whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, meats, and grains. What goals are you carrying forward into 2026?

But what are some new goals I am working on?

• I am going to set new financial goals for myself. I am currently reading a book my friend Kim gave me for Christmas called, “Smart Women Finish Rich” by David Bach.
• Another goal I have is part of my recent minimal-ish lifestyle and is that I will only buy one new clothing item per month this year. Thrifting is okay, with limits of course.
• I also have started looking at the materials of the clothing before purchasing as I want to buy more sustainable natural materials such as cotton, cashmere, wool, etc. I

What are some new goals you have set for yourself for 2026? What do you want to make a priority because it will make your life even better?

• Do your goals inspire you, are they sustainable and not extreme? I’ve learned that you can’t just think about your goals and say things like “I am going to lose weight” or “I am going to do better with my money”. That is only the beginning.
• You have to be more specific and more intentional. What has worked for me is to pick a few (or even one) write them down in a journal, your notes on your phone, whatever is a good method for you.
• Next, you can make notes about how you are going to be successful with meeting the goal. What exact steps are you going to take?
• Then, make note of anything that could possibly get in the way and how you plan to address it.
• I have also found it helpful to speak my goals to someone. It certainly makes it real and also adds in accountability.
• And don’t forget to pat yourself on the back as you are making progress, and know there will be setbacks,
• Reaching for a goal, or aiming to do and be better is not a perfect science. As the saying goes, “It's a marathon, not a sprint”. Give yourself grace as needed.

Closing Toast

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Thank you for joining me as we sipped, savored, and reflected on this beautiful life we’ve been given. Until next time, cheers.