How to Set up a Wonderful 2026

This Sunday is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year but filled with promise of the return of longer days. Some call it the rebirth of the sun. As we experience more darkness outside, it can be a perfect time to bring light indoors with lights and candles and is a propitious time to go within.  

This season invites introspection, rest, and reflection, mirroring nature's energy conservation and is ideal for setting intentions, releasing old patterns, and planning for new growth. 

When we take time in this season of more darkness to do some contemplation – maybe with a cup of tea or coffee and a soft throw blanket at hand – we tap into the seeds of what we want to create next year. I know that your inner heart wisdom is already forming a vision of where you are headed next as the cycle turns toward a new year. 

As the poet Rumi said: “And don't think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It’s quiet down there. But the roots are riotous.” 

We are co-creators with the life energy that powers everything. As we discern our desires and declare what we want to experience in our life, we participate in this creative process from a place of power. 

When you have some quiet time, ask yourself these questions and record your answers and musings and reflections in a journal or notebook. 

1. What are three things I achieved or experienced in 2025 that made me happy? These may not be what you expected to achieve or experience, so really tune in to what makes your heart sing about what happened in 2025. Notice how much of these achievements or experiences had to do with your efforts and determination, how much was due to a flow with other people. and how much was due to unexpected grace. 
2. What is one thing I want to release and not bring into 2026? This might be a limiting belief, a draining habit, a persistent negative emotion, or a perspective on a relationship or situation that no longer serves you. Imagine carrying it down to a river, placing it in the water, and watching it float away. 
3. What are three intentions I want to set for 2026? An intention is something that you would love to create or experience (large or small)  and commit to take purposeful action towards. First, state your intention in one sentence; second, describe the end result of the intention in present tense as if it has been achieved and you are fully experiencing it now; and third, include the emotions and qualities you want to feel and experience as you move toward and end up in your intention such as Love, Joy, Peace, Flow, Power, Community, Confidence, Unity, Harmony, Power, Openness. 
4. Where will my faith be in 2026? Is my faith in the power of love, service, beauty, inclusion, and harmony? Or is it in fear, separation, discord, worst case scenarios? It seems odd, but we can unconsciously be energizing the things we say we dislike by putting a lot of our energy into focusing on those things and dwelling in frustration about what is happening. When we are open to knowing that even if something feels intractable or heartbreaking or super challenging, we will receive the inspiration and guidance we need to move forward toward our good and can always get help from others.

Put a heading on a piece of paper “My Faith in 2026” and list the things you are grateful for. This can include spouse or partner, friends, family, neighbors, therapist, church or community groups, organizations working for positive social change, animals, your favorite spaces in nature, your ancestors, or spiritual guides. You can have faith in a quality of the good in life like Love and Community. Put your faith and energy into these.  

Some have said that community is the only true security and the more we participate in creating and maintaining community around us the stronger we are. 

When you feel fear, anxiety, or upset, review the list, and energize your faith, not your fear. 

Re-connect with your intentions and sources of faith regularly and let them inspire your actions in 2026.  

Happy solstice and the return of the light and whatever holidays and traditions you celebrate!