01/01/26

my first listicle!

Over the past few weeks and days, people have asked me what I’d like to bring into the New Year – manifestations, visions, resolutions – which makes sense since this moment always calls for change.

But if you’ve read any of my posts, then you’ve peeped the common theme of me not wanting things to change.

In the past, I struggled to grapple with things out of my control, which is pretty tragic since that’s the essence of life. It’s inevitable that things will change. Therefore, it’s a fool’s errand to chase an alternative reality.

Impermanence is our only guarantee.

So, keeping that in mind, I no longer hold myself to rigid timelines or quantifiable resolutions. Instead, I’d like to call more abundance into my life. I’m sharing a little bit of what I’d like my 2026 to look like, not only to hold myself accountable but also to inspire people to generate ideas of their own if they haven’t already.

Here it goes:

1. More surrendering to my desires

I’ve learned there are seasons that require more discipline and seasons that require more submitting to the whims of your heart. When we’re traumatized, sometimes it’s easy to default to self-isolation and strictness. Lately I’ve been suppressing my desire for more friendship and lovers, because I worry I’ll be unable to calculate the risks accordingly.

I worry my discernment will cease to exist, because it disappeared recently and I found myself repeating the same toxic friendship and dating cycles.

But I trust myself to self-soothe regardless of what happens with new people this year.

2. More forgiveness

Towards the end of last year, I developed a complex about people using and abusing me, mainly because I surrounded myself with people who felt the same way about others. However, I realized that I’m hurting myself by holding onto people who are no longer in my life.

I’m going to forgive people more in 2026, not for their benefit but for mine.

I’m tired of irrelevant situations taking a hold of my life.

It’s okay to release.

3. More live music

I listen to a lot of music in my free time. I love creating playlists and discovering new recs based off of my listening taste but also from my friends. Sharing music is a love language of mine – both giving and receiving if I love your taste.

I want to support more of my favorite Black artists this year. I complain about concert ticket prices a lot, but the cost to see newcomers and rising stars isn’t unreasonable.

I saw Leon Thomas for $95 at the Wiltern on December 22nd! My biggest flex.

4. More detachment to the outcomes

It’s no secret that I get my hopes up a lot, when it comes to dating, friendships, and professional opportunities. I love having hope and dreaming of more but it’s concerning when it reaches a point of delusion where I’m imagining how the narrative will go instead of letting the story unfold naturally.

I’m certain that I’ve overlooked some people, places, and things, because I was chasing after people who were only meant to be for the moment. I’m ready to recenter and remain a healthy level of intentionality and openness, while recognizing that we all have free will.

Not everything will choose me and I won’t choose everything, but that’s part of the journey!

5. More stylish moments

The way my life is set up I rarely have to dress up, which means I’m dressed very mid 90% of the time. Recently I started feeling like how I look or “looking like what I’ve been through” and that’s not what I want for myself. I’m excited to put more outfits together that align with who I am as a person.

6. More presence over performance

   

I’m beating a dead horse but it’s really the phones, y’all! I can’t wait to be outside and touch grass in 2026 but especially during Q1 where my seasonal depression is still at an all-time high.

Anytime I try to go cold turkey with social media it never works more than 6-8 months. As a Black creative, it feels impossible to go off the grid fully if I want to make a name for myself.

However, I don’t have to suffer either. I will no longer be consuming people’s opinions constantly, because it negatively impacts mine. I’m tired of sounding like a NPC. I hate regurgitated takes.

I just want to live.

7. More liberation

Freedom for all oppressed peoples is the goal no matter what. I pray that my actions align with my words more than they ever did before.

8. More interdependence

Even though I plan on maintaining a healthy level of detachment with everyone, I tend to move towards extremes. Recently I needed help with something and I didn’t ask anyone. As a result, I overexerted myself and ended up spraining my wrist amongst other things.

Now I’m forced to rest and be antisocial, because I refused to lean on people.

Hyper-independence won’t be my guiding light this year.

9. More hobbies that won’t be monetized or career-driven

As many of you know, I perform spoken word poetry as of late 2024. It fills me with so much love and joy. I can’t wait to grow in it, but I realized that I love it so much that I dream of doing it professionally.

However, that means my writing/reading/performances all cater towards my goal of writing for a living.

I’d love to return to taking photos on film, maybe rollerskating or dancing. I’m not gifted when it comes to those tasks, which makes the experience even better.

I can enjoy things without trying to profit from them, and that’s what my 2026 will ensure.

10. More travel

I struggle with traveling, because I’ve been focusing on visiting my family in Ghana. I love them dearly but this year it’s not feasible for me financially. Instead, I will be using that money towards exploring on my own.

I hope I can manage an international trip before 2027. There’s still so many countries on my radar.

I’m excited for what’s to come and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for everyone.

Cheers to a New Year & as always, thank you for reading!