2026: New Year, New Me?
I find that every January, my feed is flooded with people’s massive wins and highlights from the year before, and their big goals for the new year. I do love seeing what beautiful things my family, friends, and favourite ‘influencers’ have achieved or are working towards, don't get me wrong, but sometimes it leaves me feeling like I didn’t do enough last year, or that my goals aren’t big enough.
Living with chronic health conditions like endometriosis, the pressure to match everyone else’s achievements can feel overwhelming.
For me, some days, just getting out of bed is a massive win in itself. I keep trying to remember that those glamorous highlight reels aren't always a true reflection of what someone's year looked like. It is often just what looks good and 'problem free' for a socials post.
One of our incredible community members recently shared, “A highlight reel of my 2025 wouldn’t show me curled up in pain for months, using up all my sick leave, managing post-op constipation, or moments of self-doubt and loneliness. It also wouldn’t show the quiet strength of getting ready for work, promising that today will be a better day, cups of tea on the couch with friends, phone calls with my Mum, making a breakthrough in therapy.”
This perspective resonated so strongly with me. These are battles so many people don’t get to see or don’t even recognise as challenges we face every day. Those private struggles of flare-ups, pain, exhaustion, and setbacks rarely make the ‘highlight reels' or yearly recap posts. But they matter.
Small wins, like getting out of bed count. Quiet little victories (for some people) are so important to remember. They might feel invisible, but they show courage, resilience, and strength. And those qualities are just as important as hitting huge goals or crossing off a New Year’s resolution.
So, as everyone is getting back into their routines for 2026, here’s a gentle reminder:
It’s okay to pace yourself.
It’s okay if your goals look different from others.
Even if your highlight reel for 2025 feels smaller than what you’ve been seeing, be proud of what you achieved and the obstacles you overcame.
Honour yourself by acknowledging the battles you faced.
Celebrate any wins, no matter how ‘small’ they may seem.
My favourite quote I remind myself of frequently is: “The words you speak become the house you live in. Speak kindly about your yourself.”
Every act of self-compassion and resilience matters. Be your own biggest cheerleader and supporter. Prioritise you and your health, not the reels or social posts you see. Everyone is fighting a battle or overcoming hardships that aren’t posted online. No one’s life is perfect, and whatever you manage or achieve this year is what truly matters.
Here’s to a new year: new possibilities, new challenges, and a year focused on celebrating and prioritising me and my health. New year, new me? New year, Improving Me.
Anna x
