A New Year, A New Focus, Not a New Year’s Resolution

Hey Fam,

Welcome to a brand-new year! ✨

But, before we talk about goals, plans, or what’s “next,” I want us to pause for a moment.

This season isn’t about becoming a whole new person overnight. It’s about letting go of what no longer serves you.

✨ ️The negative self-talk.

✨ ️The doubt that whispers that you’re not doing enough.

✨ ️The guilt that creeps in when you rest, slow down, or change your pace.

As we step into 2026, this is your permission slip to say goodbye to those old negative influences — not with anger, but with intention.

🌱 This Is Not a New Year’s Resolution

Let’s be clear: this isn’t about resolutions. It’s about a shift in focus.

Resolutions often come from pressure, while lifestyle changes come from self-respect.

This year, we’re choosing:

✨ Grace over guilt

✨ Progress over perfection

✨ Consistency over extremes

You don’t need to “fix” yourself to move forward. You just need to show up with honesty and compassion.

🧠 Big Goals Don’t Have to Feel Heavy

If you have big dreams for 2026 — I love that for you. But here’s the thing:

Big goals become achievable when they’re broken into small, doable steps.

Instead of focusing on the entire mountain, try focusing on:

💙 One workout today

💙 One nourishing meal

💙 One positive thought

💙 One moment of rest

💙 One choice that supports your future self

Those small wins add up — and when wins are frequent, motivation grows naturally. That’s how momentum is built without burnout.

💛 Grace Over Guilt — Always

This year, when you miss a workout… choose grace.

When progress feels slow… choose grace.

When life shifts your plans… choose grace.

Guilt keeps us stuck in the past, while grace keeps us moving forward with intention.

That’s why this month’s featured tee, “Grace Over Guilt,” is more than a slogan — it’s a lifestyle reminder. Wear it as a promise to yourself that your journey will be rooted in kindness, not criticism.

👉 Find it (and more empowering pieces) at Work It Out Merch Store

🍲 Warm Winter Recipe: Healing Chicken & Sweet Potato Stew

Cold weather calls for meals that feel comforting and nourishing. This one checks both boxes.

Why You’ll Love It

✨ High in protein

✨ Anti-inflammatory ingredients

✨ Cozy, filling, and great for meal prep

Ingredients:

~ 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cubed)

~ 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced

~ 2 carrots, sliced

~ 1 cup celery, chopped

~ 1 small onion, diced

~ 3 cloves garlic, minced

~ 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

~ 1 tsp olive oil

~ 1 tsp turmeric

~ 1 tsp paprika

~ ½ tsp cumin

~ Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

~ Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

~ Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.

~ Add chicken and cook until lightly browned.

~ Stir in vegetables, broth, and seasonings.

~ Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes.

Warm, grounding, and perfect for honoring your body during colder months.

✨ Your 2026 Reminder

You don’t need to rush, be perfect, or prove anything to anybody.

You are allowed to grow slowly, change your mind, and start again with more wisdom than before.

Here’s to a year of intentional movement, gentle discipline, small wins, and a whole lot of grace.

We’re doing this together, y'all. 💙

With love and purpose,

Jessika 💪🏾✨