This week’s reminder: The joy is in the work.

We often wish we could fast-forward. We want to already have the job, the body, the house, the partner. We want to skip the hard stuff and jump straight to the "good part."

But the journey is the good part.

The climb is where we earn the reward. It is where we show up for ourselves, grow, and become who we are meant to be. It is where we build the version of ourselves that surprises us with what we’re capable of.

It is the best feeling in the world to look back at something difficult and think: “Wow. I did that.”

It’s been well over a year since I ran my first marathon, and I still marvel that I did it. Since then, I’ve reached my healthy weight and become the strongest I have ever been. I strength train, I eat well, and I prioritize sleep (well, minus the newborn who has other plans).

I did all of that.

It was hard work. It remains hard work. But most importantly, it is an enormous source of joy to know that I’m the one lifting those weights, running those miles, and making those choices. I am showing up for me.

As we head into 2026, and you ponder your goals and intentions, remember this:

Whatever the end goal looks like, it isn’t nearly as important as the person you become while getting there.

We are forged in resistance.

Happy New Year!

I am so excited for 2026. If these messages have resonated with you this year, I have one small request:

Please forward this email to one friend who needs to hear it.

My goal is to reach 500 subscribers by the end of January (we are at ~315 now!). Let’s grow this community together. Let’s go!