10
Share on bsky
View this post on Instagram
2026 is upon us, and isn’t it indeed true that each and every new year brings with it a bit of hope for change?
Whether it’s politics, relationships, or our own life’s journey, what can we do to change the shape of 2026? Can we move away from the discontentment and chaos of current headlines and focus on a clear but different path forward?
A thorough cleansing of the body, mind, and spirit is what most of us need. Often, by the end of any given year we look around and take stock of our various “accumulations.” Unresolved feelings, too much stuff, excess pounds, the heaviness of daily stagnation and piles of “to do” lists feel overwhelming.
We’ve carried so much in 2025. How can we “shape-shift” in 2026 for clarity, peace, progress, and a sense of well-being despite the problematic social, political, and economic climate we currently face? Do you, like me, want some good vibes in 2026 despite what’s happening? It’s all about taking action to shift the shape of things to come.
So, let’s tackle one thing at a time.
First up, how can we change our bodies?
As with any type of change, it’s best to set the goal aside. You heard that right. A goal is wonderful, and it’s definitely something that motivates our actions, but it’s also a far away, intangible thing. It’s better to begin with small changes, one day at a time. Why? Because one day turns into a few days, which leads to weeks and months of confidence-building success. Day after day, the small changes we control and implement become our new habits. By taking it one day at a time, we will avoid the failure of burnout.
If we want to change our bodies, what matters most is consistency.
1. Let’s make our medical and dental appointments (so we can “set ’em and forget ’em”).
2. Let’s consult an actual nutrition expert (and try to add more whole, organic foods to our diets).
3. Let’s schedule a massage or any other self-care treat (let’s celebrate our bodies).
4. Let’s weight train and walk (outside!) regularly (no new gym memberships please).
5. Let’s mercilessly get rid of the junk food and artificial sweeteners (Facts About Sugar and Sugar Substitutes)
Changing our minds is a little different.
We can sign up for a class, read a book, listen to podcasts, share beneficial articles from stellar Elephant Journal writers (Elephant Journal’s Best of 2025), and practice self-reflection in an effort to mindfully evolve, educate ourselves, and become more self-aware. We can ask point blank for specific feedback, and we can accept the feedback when more than one friend tells us the same thing.
1. Let’s go to the library (make a list of interesting topics and bone up for free. Check out this great article on the importance of public libraries: The Complicated Role of Modern Public Libraries.
2. Let’s seek professional help (a good therapist gives us the tools for changing our behaviors and reactions).
3. Let’s ask a lot of questions (and stop using the internet as our main resource).
4. Let’s fully examine the evidence (and follow the money without bias).
5. Let’s make a list of what’s working and what isn’t in our own lives (and be specific).
To “shape-shift” our inner spirit, we need to take action.
Not one of us can sit back and pretend the state of the union is not a major concern. Taking action means becoming more involved in politics, our own interests, and the best interests of others. Midterms come in late 2026, and there’s a real opportunity to halt the damages our current administration continues to inflict. The only way to create better vibes and actual change is to get involved.
1. Let’s clean closets and give our excess to those in need (check out the book: The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning)
2. Let’s volunteer and be of benefit in our local communities!
3. Let’s become educated on the political process and the platforms of our local and state candidates (Who’s on the Ballot by State?)
4. Let’s ask ourselves what we really want in life and go get it (check out this motivational book: You Do You by Sarah Knight)
5. Let’s finally follow a long dormant passion (cooking, painting, writing, cycling, gardening) and make it our next social activity so we can meet new people and enjoy the process through laughter.
Change isn’t easy, but the promise of a new year gives us a soft nudge to do things differently. We can “shape shift” in 2026 to change our body, mind, and spirit to make way for better things to come by modifying our habits and becoming more informed.
The truth is, we are not hopeless, helpless, or without resources.
In 2026, we’ve got what it takes to bring the good vibes in, but we must take action.
~
Read 2 comments and reply