What I’m Unlearning in 2026 and Celebrating One Year of My Poetry Book
2026 is the year of not forcing. By writing this, I hope you don’t think I know it all. I, for one, am firmly in the not-knowing club. I don’t believe I know much of anything other than how to be present, exist, and try my best at love.
There are a few things I am learning—and unlearning—along the way of life that I feel called to share, because maybe they resonate with you too. Perhaps we could have a coffee chat about these things together, if you’re into that sort of thing. Most people these days, I’m finding, would rather not.
1. Not chasing
The first action item I decided to work on this year is to no longer chase. I will not go after things—especially people—that feel like a reach. I will trust the journey to bring connections that align and are meant for me, rather than continuing to hold on or go out of my way for people who see me more as an afterthought.
2. Letting go of the need for control
I love control—what human doesn’t? The perfectionist in me thrives on it, yet I’m realizing both of these tendencies are thoroughly exhausting and unrealistic. Complete control and perfection do not exist. You are not God. Things go wrong, and it can happen in an instant. One must learn to go with the flow of life’s ups and downs instead of fighting them.
3. Allowing silence in conversation
During conversations, I will try my best not to fill the space with noise. Silence is okay—and often far more respected than fluff. As a neurodiverse person, I feel deeply. I also sense the emotions of others strongly and often help people process their own feelings. Because of this, it genuinely pains me when people feel awkward or unhappy in conversations. I absorb what they’re saying as if I’m going through it too.
That’s when the people-pleaser in me shows up, trying to fix or help. So when conversations are going nowhere, I tend to fill the nothingness with something. I’m realizing many people aren’t as emotionally attuned as we neurodiverse folks, and they may interpret this as me babbling about myself out of self-centeredness—when in reality, I was just trying to make them feel comfortable.
I plan to do my best to incorporate these surrendering behaviors. I may need to reread this blog a few times to remind myself—or maybe just get “let it go” tattooed somewhere on me, or set the Frozen song as my ringtone. Not that anyone really calls me anymore, other than spam. Lol.
May 2026 be a year full of unlearning behaviors that no longer serve us.
By the way, my poetry book is turning one year old on January 22, 2026. If you feel called to support an indie author like myself, I would truly appreciate it. You can purchase it on Amazon🙂
