Living 2026 with Intention

I recently read Everything Is Beautiful and Everything Hurts by Josie Shapiro, a story about a protagonist training for a marathon. At one point, she’s asked what a great training programme would look like for her, and she answers that she needs to weigh less. Her new coach offers a different perspective, saying it should really be about eating well, moving enough, and resting.

That idea has been sitting with me.

As I look ahead to 2026—while I do want to weigh less this year—my priority is to pursue that goal in a healthy and sustainable way. Rather than focusing solely on outcomes, I want to focus on habits that support long-term well being.

With that in mind, these are the intentions I’m carrying into the year:

1. Move Enough

Rather than aiming for intensity, I want consistency. My goal is to move intentionally at least five times a week, whether that’s walking, cycling, swimming, or anything else that keeps me active. I’ll keep a simple daily movement logs, not to measure performance, but to build consistency.

2. Create and Process

Writing has always been how I process, reflect, and heal. This year, I want to show up to it more intentionally. My goal is to publish reflective writing consistently and share at least three blog posts each month—stories about life as it is, not as it’s supposed to look.

3. Rest Well

Burnout is something I want to avoid, not recover from. In 2026, I want to protect my energy by getting eight hours of sleep each night (which, thankfully, I’m already doing). That means winding down digitally by 9:00 PM on weeknights, being in bed by 9:30 PM and giving myself one full rest day each month—no errands, no obligations, no productivity disguised as rest.

4. Eat Better

I want food to support my health, not control my life. This year, I’m aiming to limit takeaways to once a week, dining out to once a week, cooking more meals at home, and exploring new recipes along the way.

5. Read More

I want to spend more time with stories that stretch my imagination and soften my heart. My goal is to read 40 books over the year, choosing reading over scrolling when I can.

6. Stay Rooted in Faith

Faith continues to be an important anchor for me. In 2026, I plan to attend church every Sunday, pray nightly, and capture one moment of gratitude each day—small reminders of goodness, even on ordinary days.

For 2026, I hope for a body that feels cared for rather than criticised.

I wish for movement that feels natural, rest that feels deserved, and progress that comes slowly but stays.

I hope I continue choosing presence over pressure, depth over noise, and faith over fear.

I wish for enough energy to do what matters, enough courage to let go of what doesn’t, and enough grace for the days that fall short.

If 2026 gives me anything, I hope it gives me peace in the ordinary and the ability to look back and say:

I lived this year with intention.

No Rhyme, Just Reason is a Taupō, New Zealand–based blog by Ariane about books, good food, long walks, and unapologetic naps.