Looking forward to 2026
As I type this on the day after the Winter’s Solstice, I can’t help but to think of its symbolism. We have completed the annual cycle of our days getting shorter. Holiday celebrations are in full swing and it’s my favorite time of year. Cozy nights by the fireplace, Christmas movies and meals, time with family and friends, and a much needed break from the every day grind. All that has happened in 2025 is only momentum for what’s to come in 2026.
Even though I have launched this back in 2024, it took me a full year to actually talk about it and be brave enough to promote it. I was really battling how much of my former role I was going to implement without some of the flashbacks of the insane stress levels and brain fry I went through. Not only that, I had to work on balancing working full-time, then shifting gears to small business operations in the evening and weekends. Running a small business takes A LOT. And not all business wins or loses will be obvious. One loss for me was how tired my eyes get from working at a computer for several hours because of an endless list of tasks. The biggest lessons I have learned is to take one thing at a time. Not everything needs my energy and attention all at once. And also, it’s ok to find someone who can strengthen your weakness. My major win this year is that I hired a casual Virtual Assistant to enhance the visuals, design itineraries for attendees, and other documents that will look beautiful. Aesthetics are not my strength!
So, the aforementioned symbolism is that I have worked a lot on myself and my bravery to talk about my business, network, and celebrate the wins as well as the lessons. I have invested a lot of time and resources into a small business that I feel like there’s no turning back. The old Me can rest now. She’s been through enough. Time to move forward at full force.
I decided to shift a bit from travel coaching and put more energy into retreats. Even before I launched, I wanted to do something in the retreats category. In the past, I have traveled with college students, family and friends. On those many trips, I loved seeing their growth and learning when discovering something new, converse with locals and ask questions, or putting pieces together of “a-ha moments” that have forever changed their cultural lens of the world. Such is life as an educator.
I can really tell this is a great track already for the business. With doing some market research, I am getting new ideas in future retreats, and things I want to implement for the future, new stories I’m excited to write. Right now, I’m getting into Ireland mode. With the hundreds of photos from my last three trips, the excitement of this new retreat rings . My contacts on the ground in Ireland were immensely helpful in the itinerary and ideas for the first of my Reset Retreats with the Writers Retreat Ireland in May 2026. Right now, I’m working on finalizing the hotel contract for the dates and finalizing some legal documents for attendees. All in motion in a good way. In early spring, I will go to the location for a site visit and make sure details are secured, establish rapport for future retreats. Step by step!
So, 2026 will be a great year with lots of enhancements on the business front. I’m so excited to take you with me!
As I try to finalize some business ops before I shut down for a few days, I again am grateful to you, my network – family, friends, and colleagues who share my business info, promote my business to their circles, and giving me the encouragement and compliments that keep me going. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas week and sending you the energy of joy, health, and well wishes.