2026 and the year of the Fire Horse

This past year in the Chinese calendar was the year of the snake. 

The year of the snake symbolizes wisdom, adaptability, and transformation, a time for growth, healing, and shedding old patterns for new beginnings.  

I don’t usually write out my goals for a particular year, but they are often stored in my head as possibilities.

Maybe it is a fear that I won't reach my goals, or that my goals and intentions change throughout the year. Whatever is happening deep in my subconscious, I still like to reflect on my past year.

While reading about the year of the snake, I realized my only real plan last January was to have a house built by summer. I found it interesting to look back at 2025, and all that it surprised me with.

For sure, it was a year of fresh starts. I did a lot of reflecting. I never planned on shutting my Pilates Studio, and there was so much sadness in not seeing many of you each week, but I knew once I saw my house, it was time for me to rest amongst the trees and watch the waves crash to shore.

This new chapter in my life was beyond what I could have ever imagined. I’m grateful that I give myself opportunities to meet others, like taking yoga classes, where I met some very lovely people. I found a group of women to bike with. Golfing, Pickleball, and Mahjong, where I felt a bit insecure. Still, I kept going until I met the people whose company I enjoyed.

Because I am a lifelong learner, I decided to take an eight-week course on maintaining Pilates equipment. I am now a certified Pilates Technician:)  This opportunity arose at the right moment. I’m not sure how I will pursue this:), but my equipment is in top-notch condition.

This was a year of YES for me, with careful thought and planning, and a little chaos, but I now know every Kwik Trip from Door County to Kenosha.

This February marks the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese zodiac, “characterized by energy, passion, leadership, and a focus on social activity and new opportunities."

Are you ready to take on 2026? And the year of the Fire Horse? 

I think I’m ready too.  I’m not writing any goals down again, but taking opportunities as they come and saying YES to what feels right in my gut.  

Wishing you a happy and fun 2026.