For so many, 2025 came in like a wrecking ball and just seemed to manage to hold its course. As I reflect back on this year; it for me, brought chaos, stresses but also gratitude.
I’ve always been very grateful for what I have and continue to work towards, but this year, was a little bit more. It taught me to be present in the moment, to be aware, but not consumed, and
that I too matter. I was well on the path to finally shed this unwanted weight, until my mom went into the hospital, and my stress levels went through the roof. Her second heart surgery in 6 years and doctors didn’t know if she ‘qualified’ for another heart surgery. My stress was in overdrive, my cortisol levels through the roof and boom. All my hard work undone.
My focus shifted back to being present. To enjoy my time with her and to be present – she lives with Pat & I. Always has; and we wouldn’t change that for the world, but holding even more space for her was priority for me. And so the weight quickly crept back as I continued to push myself out of the “I matter too” mindset. Thankfully, 2025 was gentle with us and mom is flourishing & remains a very healthy 83 year old. I had put myself on hold to continue to care for others, my mom, my family, my patients.
But for 2026, I walk away from the year of the snake – I shed my old self, I shed inauthentic people and things that are not good for my best interest – mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually; because I matter too. As we enter into 2026, the year of the horse, understanding that stresses of 2025 may still linger for a while, (the snake still shedding) I remain optimistic that overall, 2026 will be a year of awakening & betterment.
The Snake is about shedding old identities, false alliances, outdated habits, mental clutter. It’s introspective, strategic, and truth-revealing. So accurate! Through the shedding I gained wisdom, leaned deeper into trusting my intuition, and underwent a powerful inner transformation.
In 2026 the horse teaches us to balance independence with responsibility, guiding us to reach our full potential.
Horses have a deep empathy & ability to mirror human emotions, foster profound intuitive bonds, acting as healers & teachers. They are seen as guardians of the underworld, guiding souls through death, while also representing divine messengers, connecting the physical and spiritual realms.
This all sounds very optimistic and of a positive nature, and I for one, am not just very much looking forward to all the many Blessings that 2026 has in store, but I’m galloping to it.