What Worked for Our Family in 2025 (and What We’re Doing Differently in 2026)

2025 didn’t ease us in.

We started the year with a new addition to our family, and while that came with so much joy, it also required adjustments from every single one of us. New rhythms, less sleep, fuller days, and learning how to show up for each other in a new way. It was beautiful and stretching at the same time.

As the year winds down, I’m not interested in resolutions or doing more just because it’s a new year. I’ve been more focused on reflecting. On paying attention to what actually worked for our family and what quietly didn’t. Because clarity doesn’t come from rushing into the next thing. It comes when you slow down long enough to listen.

Learning to Move at a New Pace

One thing I can say for sure is that grace carried us this year.

Adding a baby meant our old routines didn’t fit anymore, and trying to force them only created frustration. Once we let go of what things used to look like and allowed a new flow to form, everything felt lighter. Slower mornings became normal. Flexibility became necessary. And instead of fighting it, we learned to lean in.

Watching Amir Thrive in Homeschool

Homeschooling was another place where we saw so much growth.

Amir truly thrived this year. His grades and test scores were strong, but what stood out most was his confidence. He was engaged, curious, and supported in ways that really fit who he is. The social opportunities he had felt intentional, not forced, and it reminded us again that learning doesn’t need to be rushed to be successful. When kids feel safe and encouraged, growth happens naturally.

Choosing Presence Over Productivity

We also learned that presence matters more than productivity.

Some of the most meaningful moments this year weren’t planned at all. They were quiet mornings, long conversations, and choosing to be fully there instead of distracted or rushing to the next thing. Slowing down didn’t take anything away from us. It gave us more of what we needed.

Faith in the Everyday, Not Just the Big Moments

Our faith showed up in small, consistent ways this year.

Short prayers. Gratitude spoken out loud. Pausing before decisions and asking if something aligned with peace. One truth kept coming back to me again and again. Rushing isn’t one of the fruits of the Spirit. And if something consistently pulled us away from peace, it needed to be reevaluated.

What We’re Leaving Behind from 2025

Not everything worked, and that’s okay.

Trying to keep up with the pace of life didn’t serve us. Saying yes out of obligation led to burnout. Starting good things but losing them to busyness reminded me that good intentions still need margin to survive. Some things weren’t failures. They were just meant for a different season.

How We’re Setting the Tone for 2026

As we look ahead to 2026, we’re choosing to be more intentional from the start instead of playing catch up later.

We want to move through the year with purpose, not pressure. With alignment instead of reaction.

Bringing Prayer Back Into Our Vision

We’ve done vision boards in the past, and they’ve always been meaningful. But life gets busy, and consistency fades.

This year, prayer comes first. Then vision. We’re creating prayer boards alongside vision boards and letting God lead instead of asking Him to bless plans we rushed through. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s presence.

Keeping Our Goals Simple This Year

We’re only setting three goals for the entire year.

Not because we lack ambition, but because we value peace. We want space to breathe, adjust, and grow without feeling like we’re constantly behind.

Starting New Traditions We Can Actually Enjoy

One of the traditions we’re most excited about is choosing our family vacation out of a hat.

Everyone gets to add ideas, and whatever we pull becomes the adventure. No overthinking.

No pressure to make it perfect. The planning becomes part of the memory, and the excitement belongs to all of us.

We’re also starting traditions that feel simple, joyful, and sustainable.

Letting Go of the Rush

This year, we’re intentionally releasing rushing, overpacked calendars, and guilt-driven yeses.

Peace is the priority.

Inviting the Kids Into the Process

We’re involving the kids more intentionally this year.

Letting them pray with us, dream with us, and feel heard. Teaching them that goal setting doesn’t have to feel heavy or stressful. It can feel hopeful.

Mama's Thoughts: Walking Into 2026 With Intention

If you’re reading this and feeling behind, you’re not.

You don’t need a perfect plan to create a peaceful home. Start small. One prayer. One goal. One tradition. That’s enough.

As we step into 2026, we’re choosing to move slower, softer, and with more intention. Trusting God with both the plans and the pauses. Believing that how we live matters just as much as what we accomplish.

And that feels like a really good place to begin.