As I’ve shared on Instagram, 2025 was a weird year for us. Both my husband and I were long-time federal workers who absolutely loved our jobs and felt like we were making a real difference in the lives of regular Americans. But when the administration changed, everyone who worked at our agency was barred from our offices in downtown DC, and we were all put on administrative leave. Soon after, the new decision makers gave Reduction-in-Force notices to over 80% of our agency, including my husband and me. Basically, these notices said that we were losing our jobs, and we’d have 60 days pay before our paychecks and benefits ended. A brilliant legal team took the employees’ case pro bono (meaning, for free), and they fought tooth and nail for us through the various courts. The upshot is that the legal proceedings have been going on for almost a year, and it’s been a tumultuous ride. And we aren’t alone: almost everyone I know in the DC area has been affected in some way by this change in administration, and it feels like there’s a low-level depression hanging over the city.

Happily, my husband and I both found new jobs that will allow us to do meaningful work, and we’re excited to dive in. But this year-long limbo, combined with the angst and frustration of having four teenagers in the house, has me seeking moments of calm and joy.

For the past several years, I’ve shared lists of my goals for the year. These aren’t “to-do” lists or resolutions; rather, these are largely lists of things that might bring joy to my life. I often throw in a few mundane things, like renewing my passport, but it’s mostly about planning fun activities for the year ahead.

This year I accomplished a lot of the things on my list for 2025. I had a local adventure with my college friends, played Mahjong, did some foreign travel, finished our wills, fixed my dental issues, considered (and got) a dog, went to Shrine Mont, danced to the Leg Warmers, created a desk space at home, and went on a church service trip to Baltimore. All good and happy things! And all of them, especially the dog, made me very happy.

But this year I’m seeking some quieter moments, times to connect with friends and take a breath. I’ve carried over some of the plans from last year that I didn’t accomplish, and I’ve added some old favorites: a picnic on the National Mall, the roller derby, the local lavender farm, a bike ride from our house to Purcellville (about 40 miles each way), and the annual church service trip to Baltimore.

I’ve been saying this for *years*, but I think getting up earlier and doing some kind of physical activity in the morning would help me a lot. I usually roll out of bed right into the chaos of “where’s my packed lunch?” and “I can’t find my backpack!” Waking up earlier would give me some quiet time, and starting the day with some exercise would be good for my mental health. And the only way to make myself do that is to schedule something with a friend (so I know someone’s waiting on me) or pay for a class in advance. So I’m committing to buying classes at the local yoga studio and local women’s gym. I’ll take a few classes in each location and see if I can find something that works for me.

And a somewhat crazy thought: I want to host community dinners once a month. I’ve been thinking about community a lot since our trip to Cuba this year, and it seems like a lot of people are craving connection these days. A sweet crunchy friend of mine sings the praises of her community group in Florida — they meet for dinner every so often at the same person’s house and enjoy a simple supper. No pressure to bring anything, no expectation that you must arrive at a certain time or stay until a certain time. Just people bringing their messy selves and open hearts. We probably need to start with a small group, but eventually I’d like it to be an open, standing invitation to everyone we know. If you’re local and want to be included in this kooky plan, let me know!

So here’s my plan for this coming year! I’m not pressuring myself, and it’s certainly ok if I don’t do any or all of these things. But these are all good and fun things that would bring me joy!

What’s on your list for 2026? I’d love to hear! Let me know in the comments.