A Love Letter to the Braver, Louder You

No “New Year, New Me.” More like “New Year, More Me.” If I’m being honest, 2025 zoomed past me like it had a flight to catch. One minute, I was making resolutions I definitely didn’t remember after February, and the next minute, I was sitting in a brand new year, wondering, “Wait. What just happened?”

A lot happened, actually.

There were chapters this year that stretched me. Some that softened me. Some that brought me to my knees. And a few rare ones that made me laugh so hard I forgot how heavy the world was. We faced grief, the kind that shakes your bones and rearranges your insides. Losing a parent doesn’t come with a handbook; it just comes with long nights, sudden tears, and an ache that teaches you how deeply you can love.

But even inside that grief, there were warm pockets of life, the kind you almost miss because they’re quiet. Family coming closer. Conversations became softer. We found the kind of togetherness only heartbreak can create.

There were practical storms too. Financial dips. Choices that felt heavier than they should. Days where being an adult felt like a group project where you’re the only one doing the work.

And yet… life sprinkled sweetness.

Agastya started a new school and bloomed like he’d been waiting for that version of himself. Tiny victories showed up. Unexpected laughter visited. The universe threw little confetti moments in between the chaos: not enough for a party, but enough to keep us going.

And guess what? WE MADE IT!

Into 2026.

A brand-new year that feels like a shiny gift waiting to be opened, and I feel like a child again, ready to play with possibility.

So here’s my wish for you this year: Let 2026 be your year of becoming.

Not becoming better.

Not becoming impressive.

Just becoming more of YOU: your voice, choices, presence.

Stop shrinking.

Stop waiting.

Stop apologizing for existing.

Take up space, like it’s already reserved for you, because it is! And here's your confidence habit for the year (a spicy one):

Do one brave thing every single day.

It doesn't have to be dramatic, just the tiny ordinary, “this feels uncomfortable but necessary” kind; the things we overthink and then don’t do.

Things like:

• Saying no without giving a TED Talk explaining why.

• Wearing the outfit that feels like YOU (even if no one else gets it).

• Speaking up in that meeting instead of rehearsing the perfect line in silence.

• Asking for help - the scariest and most courageous thing of all.

You see, confidence isn’t built in the highlight moments. It’s built in the micro-brave choices you make daily, one small step at a time. One tiny permission slip you give yourself.

I won't say, "Make this your year" or any of that jazz. I just want you to be more you. More you than you’ve ever allowed yourself to be.

Here’s to 2026, the year you stop hiding and start becoming.

Which version of yourself are you ready to outgrow this year? And if you need help on this journey, I’m here to help you grow into your boldest self.