2026 - Just Do Your Best
I have always loved New Year's Day, way more than my birthday or Christmas. I have adored the sense of freshness and new opportunities. Of setting myself new goals to strive for. But my life doesn't work in the same way any more.
I am alone in my house with my two cats. I am a severe pain flare and couldn't go down South with my boys - I could barely walk yesterday. My New Year's Eve consisted of pain meds, heat packs and YouTube.
But as I was getting dressed this morning, I remembered this shirt. I first got it for my first group of low literacy kiddos when they were sitting their Year Seven standardised tests. They were so scared and worried that they would let me down, so I wore it to silently reassure them that I was so proud of them no matter what.
And I decided I would try to treat myself with the same kindness. Having a great day and can clean the house, go food shopping and make dinner? Great! Having a high pain day and can barely move, but took meds and pain measures? Great! It's time that I showed myself the same compassion that I show others - This is the year of "Just Do Your Best" ❤️

















