January
Happy New Year!
This entry is a bit longer than usual as I spend some time diving into this year’s goals and direction. I’ve always loved the start of a new year. It feels like the perfect moment for a reset, a chance to reflect on the past year, and an opportunity to look ahead to what’s to come. While I’m not one for resolutions, I do love setting attainable goals and getting excited about everything a new year might bring.
Word of the Year
This is my second time choosing a word for the year, and I’ve really come to love the practice. Last year’s word was TRUTH, and I found myself living it out in ways I never expected. That meant leaning into God’s Word each day and choosing His truth over worldly lies, as well as doing the harder work of being honest with myself about my shortcomings and my deep need for a Savior, grace, and community. Having a word for the year helps me distill my goals into one guiding idea I can return to again and again as the year unfolds. I’ve experienced so much growth and clarity from something so simple.
Over the past month or so, I’ve been mulling over what I wanted my word to be this year, and I’ve finally landed on: SURRENDER.
At first I thought the word felt too broad. But the more I sat with it and explored its meaning, the more I realized it may be one of the most powerful actions we can take in pursuit of true freedom and peace.
Here are a couple of definitions that really resonated with me and ultimately led me to choose this word for the year:
SURRENDER: To abandon oneself entirely to a powerful emotion or influence; to give in.
SURRENDER: Fully yielding your will, plans, and control to God’s authority, not as defeat, but as an act of trust, faith, and courageous obedience that leads to true freedom and victory in His purposes.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you”
2026 Vision Board
One thing I’ve been really wanting to prioritize is creating a mood board that can live in my studio and evolve throughout the year. A place where I can pin ideas as they come, whether that’s colors, photographs, notes, materials, or anything else that sparks inspiration.
This is just the beginning, but I’m excited to finally put this into practice. I’ve found that whenever I’m feeling creatively stuck, returning to something that actively builds inspiration helps me reset and refocus. This board will serve as a reminder of what I’m drawn to in each season, and I’m looking forward to adding to it as my inspiration shifts and grows over time.
Here’s the frameless linen pin board I purchased for my vision board. This brand also sells beautiful brass pins, though I’m sure you can find similar ones elsewhere as well.
My Goals For 2026
10+ new artworks by the end of the year
Read the Bible in one year. My husband, Will, and I started a Bible App plan with a few friends that will guide us through the Bible over the course of the year. Here’s a link to the plan we’re following.
Complete at least 1 home improvement project
Maintain consistent journal posts at least once per month for the whole year
Songs On Repeat
I’m ringing in the new year with the new album from The Avett Brothers and Mike Patton. Will bought us tickets to see them later this spring, so the album has been on repeat lately.
Book(s) I’m Reading
I’m starting the year with a new book that was gifted to me by my Bible study leader. I’ve already been told to keep a highlighter nearby because it’s so full of wisdom. I’ll share a little review once I’ve finished it!
Pinterest Finds
A newly refreshed Pinterest feed, full of fresh inspiration and little finds that have been catching my eye lately.
Hope you have a great start to the new year!
— Rosalyn