The first month of 2026 is halfway through. 

Still sticking to the plan? We all came into this with a plan, right? 

I'm giving dry January a go. All the things you see about it are true - sleep is improved greatly, energy is up, etc. Highly recommended! Not as difficult socially as I would have presumed it would be. 

Let's get to the really big and crazy thing that happened so far this year. My son turned 16. And guys, when I say that I don't say it lightly. He took his G1 driving test, passed, and gave me the thrill of a LIFETIME teaching him how to drive. I'm through the worst parts (I think.. knock on wood.) He has done really well, and I'm so proud... but I'm also a little sad because the more independent they get, the closer they get to leaving the nest. I guess by definition that means I've done a good job, but I can still be sentimental about it (and I totally will be). 

So here we are... 16... he's honour role at school, working a part-time job, and now driving. I can still distinctly recall when I would rock him back to bed as a baby because he wasn't sleeping through the night yet. Life just passes by so quickly as we get older--and what a blessing to get older. This is so bittersweet. 

So, 2026. What are we leaving behind in 2025? For me... I'm leaving behind "other's expectations", and solely focusing on levelling up the bar of what my best version of myself is. So I'm pushing things a bit and testing the water on others. I am playing with a few tech projects in the background to keep my passion for what I do alive. I've been pretty married to my regular fitness routine, but I'm trying new exercises and working new muscles. I've already booked us a family vacation for the summer, and signed up for 2 races this year (one with the teenagers, one without). 

I started the year on a good note - completed my AI program at University of Waterloo. I had some great feedback on my Capstone from my prof, which I can apply in my day to day job.. probably the best part about extending education while working full-time. Interesting projects don't have to stay as 'hypothetical'. My philosophy on education is that I tend to always like to have something going on in the background, whether it's professional coaching, new uni programs, executive courses etc. 

That's pretty much a wrap for the first few weeks of this year. Stay grounded, stay focused. I'm working through a journal which is more of a business plan for your life called "The Human Being Journal", and it is an absolute tool for a productive fulfilling journey in this lifetime. We are all so focused on the daily that sometimes aligning to our bigger dreams, the things we don't want to regret is significant. When you look back at your life, what do you want to make sure you've measured up to? Have enjoyed? Have experienced? 

I'm not affiliated to this product sadly (it's not on Amazon), but I'm going to link it anyways because I love it. 
https://www.humanbeingjournal.com/ 

Stay centered. 
Court