New Year’s Goals, Reflection, and Letting Yourself Be Proud

Feliz Año! The holidays are officially behind us, and I hope you were able to experience at least a few moments of peace, however that looked for you. I personally spent two weeks at home in an intense declutter mode. 

As the new year begins, I’m noticing the familiar divide that shows up every January:
Some people love setting New Year’s goals.
Some people hate them.

I fall firmly in the “I love it” team! 

I nerd out on goals. I like them specific and intentional. Setting goals helps me feel oriented and grounded, like I’m choosing where my energy goes instead of just reacting to whatever comes next. I’m a very ambitious person, and for me, goals are less about pressure and more about clarity.

That said, this year I added something new to my process (thank you, TikTok): before looking ahead, I spent time reflecting on what I’m actually leaving behind. Not just what I worked on, but what I accomplished.

Looking Back: What I’m Proud of From This Past Year

Here are five professional accomplishments and one big personal one I’m carrying with me into this new year:

1. I hosted my first solo local retreat, and it was a success!
   I offered and facilitated my first retreat on my own, and it went so well. It was thoughtful, well-held, and deeply meaningful. I’m incredibly proud of how it turned out and of myself for trusting my ability to create that kind of space.
2. I traveled to Mexico to plan our Oaxaca retreat for Latinas.
   I made it to Mexico with my colega to plan our upcoming Oaxaca retreat (https://thechicanatherapist.com/retreats/). It was so much fun and it made me even more excited to return and share that experience with participants.
3. I started this blog.
   You’re reading it. That alone feels like an accomplishment. I’m still working out the details (consistently and timing), but creating space for my voice feels great! 
4. I surpassed the revenue goal I set for my business.
   This one matters to name. I set a clear financial goal, and I exceeded it. That didn’t happen by accident, it happened through intentional choices (coaching, networking, and ASKING for opportunities), saying no when needed, and continuing to trust my work.
5. I shared my dissertation findings with multiple agencies.
   I had the opportunity to speak with several teams about my suicide research, including staff at The Trevor Project and local state government agencies. Being able to translate academic work into something practical and community-facing is deeply important to me, and I’m proud of that bridge-building.

And one big personal accomplishment:
My hubby and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary! Our kids sent us on a Disney Cruise to the Caribbean and it was a-freaking-mazing! 

Looking Ahead: What I’m Excited About in 2026

I love reflecting, but I also love looking forward. Here are five things I’m genuinely excited about in the year ahead:

1. Our Oaxaca retreat in September.
   This one feels obvious and still worth naming. I cannot wait to return to Oaxaca and hold space with an incredible group of Latinas in such a meaningful setting. https://thechicanatherapist.com/retreats/
2. Two local retreats here in Colorado.
   I’m planning two additional local retreats for Latinas (one in the spring, and again in the fall), and I’m excited to keep building spaces that feel accessible, rooted, and community-centered.
3. Starting a podcast.
   I’ve thought about this for a long time. Like… a long time. And I think this is finally the year it becomes real. I’m equal parts excited and nervous, which usually tells me I’m on the right track.
4. Continuing to grow my presence on social media.
   I’m getting more comfortable being seen and more importantly, I genuinely love the connections I’ve made. I’m looking forward to growing that presence in a way that still feels aligned and human.
5. Beginning the work of launching a nonprofit for Aurora youth.
   I don’t have all the details yet, and it’s very much in the planning stages. But this year, I’ll be starting the process of building a nonprofit focused on youth in Aurora. This is my city. The young people here are incredibly underserved. I feel excited, nervous, and deeply called to this work.

 

An Invitation (No Goal-Setting Required)

I invite you to pause and name something you’re proud of from the year you’re leaving behind (survival, maybe?).

And if it feels right, name one thing you’re looking forward to. 

I’d truly love to hear what you’re celebrating and what you’re moving toward.

And if you haven’t already, subscribe to this blog, I’m glad you’re here!