2026: What A Fresh Start Really Looks Like For Me

By -



2025 was an incredible year for me. I took three major trips, landed my first remote job, explored exciting new opportunities, and continued my journey in self-employment. Even with a few setbacks along the way, I stayed optimistic and ultimately achieved one of my biggest dreams.

Every January, we hear the same familiar phrases: new year, new me, fresh start. While they’re meant to inspire, they can also create pressure—the idea that once the calendar flips, we’re expected to instantly transform into a better version of ourselves. For me, though, a fresh start isn’t about perfection or overnight change. It’s about intention, growth, and honoring where I am right now.

That’s why 2026 feels especially meaningful. This year, I’ll be turning 30 in September—a milestone that feels both exciting and empowering. Instead of reinventing myself, I’m focusing on aligning with the person I’ve been growing into all along.

One of my main goals this year is continuing to grow my remote career. Working remotely has opened doors I never imagined, offering flexibility, creativity, and the chance to explore a wide range of projects. In 2026, I want to build on that foundation by gaining more knowledge, experience, and opportunities that move me closer to becoming a successful fashion-loving entrepreneur, tech enthusiast, blogger, content creator, and disability advocate. Tracking my progress helps me stay accountable, but more importantly, it reminds me how far I’ve already come.

I also have personal goals centered around my health and well-being. I want to become stronger, healthier, and more confident in my body. That means limiting carbs and alcohol, moving my body daily, and making choices that help me feel energized and grounded as I approach my 30th birthday. This isn’t about punishment or unrealistic standards—it’s about caring for my body in a way that feels sustainable and respectful.

As I reflect on New Year’s resolutions, I’ve started to question their role in my life. Do they really work? And if they do, why do we feel so much pressure to follow them perfectly?

For me, resolutions are helpful when they offer direction—but not when they override my well-being. Listening to my body matters. Some days call for rest instead of a workout, or reflection instead of productivity. Growth isn’t linear, and it shouldn’t feel forced.

That’s why in 2026, I’m choosing intentions over resolutions. Intentions feel gentler and more flexible. They allow space for growth without comparison or pressure. Instead of saying “I must,” I can say “I aim to.”

My intention is to continue building the remote career of my dreams.
 My intention is to move my body with care and respect.
 My intention is to enter my 30s feeling proud, aligned, and excited for what’s ahead.

A fresh start, for me, isn’t about becoming a new version of myself—it’s about becoming more me. And that’s a journey worth taking every day of the year.

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoy the new year.

💖 Marisa 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My Story: Living with Cerebral Palsy, Part I: Birth and Early Childhood

By -
Image
I was born prematurely on September 12, 1996. That day, as being 32 weeks pregnant,  my mama underwent an emergency c-section because she had miserable pains in her bump after admitting to the hospital two days before. I FINALLY made it @ 11:54 am! I weighed 5 lbs 5 oz. Shortly after my birth, I suffered from a traumatic stroke as a result of my diagnosis of cerebral palsy which leaves me unable to speak on my own. Me as a newborn baby girl.  Me as a newborn baby girl with my daddy  Me as a newborn baby girl with my mama  Me as a newborn baby girl Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder caused by brain damage which affects my ability to move, walk, and speak. The disorder also affects muscle coordination and balance. There’s no known cure for CP. However, people with cerebral palsy will need a wide range of medical care, therapies (physical therapy, occupational therapy, and/or speech therapy), mobility aids such as walking aids and wheelchairs, and/or assistive te...
Read more

Travel Diary: Seattle & Alaskan Cruise - July 31 - August 10, 2025

By -
Image
Travel  Diary is a personalized and comprehensive diary designed to document my travel experiences, adventures, and reflections. It also captures places, memories, connections, and discoveries that make my travels unforgettable and memorable. The diary addresses how every place is accessible or inaccessible during my travels. I am a physically disabled traveler and I use a foldable wheelchair. I can walk with assistance and transfer to any seated positions from my wheelchair. In this travel diary, I aim to educate readers including those with disabilities about the accessibility and inclusivity of travel. It emphasizes the importance of researching destinations, creating personalized itinerary, and booking travel arrangements such as flights, hotels, and dining reservations. I assure that the trip will be unique, unforgettable, fun, meaningful, and memorable.   Travel Diary serves as an alternative version of Weekly Diary which describes my experiences and reflections on past ...
Read more

My Story: Living with Cerebral Palsy, Part II: School Years

By -
Image
If you missed reading my story about birth and early childhood, you should read " My Story: Living with Cerebral Palsy, Part I: Birth and Early Childhood ". I am sharing the second part of my story with all of you. The second part of my story addresses how I navigated my school years with cerebral palsy. I attended the Perlman Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for preschool. The Perlman Center provides children with cerebral palsy and other physical conditions that can help them live full life. They also support adults with cerebral palsy and other physical conditions. They have great programs such as preschool education, assistive technology, and supportive therapy. I loved the preschool program. I enjoyed spending time with my classmates. I learned to read at age 3 and spell at age 5. I encountered an elderly pediatrician and volunteer, Dr. Peerless during my preschool years. He would walk in and sit with me each and every time. We headed to my house for dinner. I re...
Read more

Navigating My Daily Life with Cerebral Palsy As An Adult

By -
Image
I am an adult and I am navigating my daily life with cerebral palsy. As you may have known my life story, I cannot speak or walk on my own because of my cerebral palsy. (If you missed my life story, you should read “ My Story: Living With Cerebral Palsy, Part I: Birth and Childhood ” blog post) Also, I cannot feed myself, dress myself, and drive whereas I can walk with assistance, stand independently, and transfer to any seating positions. I use my iPad to talk to you every day. I occasionally use an alphabetical chart to communicate. I also use a wheelchair. I use leg braces that enable me to move and coordinate my legs actively.  Those supports are always necessary to help me live a healthy and active life and maintain my independence.  I am very independent but I require 24/7 care that meets my personal and compassionate needs. I am right-handed. I can easily hold objects with one hand. I can use my fully functional body to perform physical activities such as exercising, po...
Read more