Who will I be in 2026?

A journaling exercise.

(pic: I attended a surf-therapy retreat with Resurface.uk this fall— and it was completely transformative.)

I created this practice last year around this time, and as I rewrite this article now, I’m doing the exercise again myself.

There’s something deeply nourishing about this ritual— about being able to look back and witness your own becoming. I can say, with pride and a warm fullness in my heart, that every single item on last year’s list has become a reality of the person I’ve been in 2025. And that feels incredibly satisfying.

So grab your journal and a pen. Find somewhere quiet to sit. Take a few slow breaths to tune into yourself. Put on some music that gently gets your mind turning— and let’s set some intentions.

Once you’re ready, write the following questions in your journal:

(pic: a morning glow in the valley where I live)

• Who do I want to be in 2026?

• How does this person feel?

• What are their practices?

• What do they do every day that contributes to who they are?

• What are their boundaries?

• How do they treat other people?

• How do they treat themselves?

• Who are they spending time with?

• What steps did they take to get here?

• What steps can I take now?

Really picture yourself in 2026.

What are you wearing?
How do you stand?
What’s the expression on your face?
What are you doing — in your day, in your life?

Write your answers slowly, one by one.
What has happened?
What choices did you make to get here?
What are you doing every day to cultivate this version of yourself?

Do you believe in this person?

And most importantly: how can you begin being them— starting tomorrow?

I hope you enjoy this practice as much as I do. 🤍

Leslie

(pic: the view from Le Magy, above Les Gets - that’s Pointe de Percée in the distance)