What I Am Taking into 2026

Elizabeth Estrada reflects on what she wants to do in 2026, and what she is leaving behind. 

The closer it got to the beginning of the new year, the more I thought of what I wanted to take into 2026 and what I wanted to leave behind. 

The last couple of years, I haven’t really thought about a New Year’s resolution because I always seemed to break my commitment before the end of January. I also wanted to do something that would help me spiritually. 

This year I decided to look at the hard things of the last year and the joys or good things about it as well. 

I wanted to think about what I learned from those events, but it is more about what I think God wanted me to learn. One thing that was clear to me, and that I truly believe, is that God talks to us through the people in our lives. One of the hardest things this year was discerning whether I was going to rebuild a relationship that had been difficult in the past. 

God Answered my Question 

All my feelings told me I should, but I kept praying that God would lead me to His will. He answered through a dear friend of mine. When she was speaking to me about a variety of situations, God’s answer became clear: Don’t do it. Of course, His answer didn’t happen after one conversation, but through many at different times. 

I am not going to lie: I was sad, hurt, and disappointed — but relieved because I have learned through other hard experiences that He knows best. His answer also made me think with my heart to find out why it hurt so much. Once I did that over a period and spent time in prayer and Adoration, I realized I needed to renew my relationship with God. 

This relationship (which has ended) had led me to not spend as much time with Him as I used to, which wasn’t good.   

2026, Here I Come 

I do remember someone telling me that it is easier to do what’s comfortable then something that isn’t. 

If that is true, then choosing to spend time doing something else instead of spending time with God in prayer obviously is not what I want to do in 2026. 

I started a women’s Bible study in the fall, and I am going to continue doing it because I am learning how to use His Word in daily life. 

My goal is to do His will instead of mine; that pretty much sums it up. 

If you have decided on adding something to your year, I hope that God is a part of it. 

May 2026 be filled with God’s grace. 

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2026 Elizabeth Estrada
Images: Canva