“Do or do not. There is no try.”
With much respect to Yoda, my word of the year for 2026 is try.
In case it’s not clear, I’m a doer. I love doing. It’s a key part of my identity. However, I tend to avoid doing things unless I know I can do them fully. This doesn’t mean I always know exactly how to do everything. But I’m confident I can figure it out, and I tend not to take on tasks unless I can give them my full commitment. (In this way, I’m following Yoda’s teaching.)
But that means I have a long list of things that I’d like to do, but I haven’t gotten to because I don’t have the knowledge, the time, the energy, the force… the whatever.
This year, I’d like to give myself a little more wiggle room to try some things. Even if I do them imperfectly or incompletely, there is benefit in taking small steps.
This will mean continuing to try to be better at sleep and rest. I also have ideas of things I’d like to try for fitness, work, community service and stewardship for this land. Some of these ideas have been bouncing around in my mind for years.
I read The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom over the holidays. One of the concepts Bloom talks about is mental wealth, which he defines as growing, changing, adapting and achieving your potential. I have never been very focused on personal growth. I like what I have achieved and am very satisfied with my life. However, in some areas, I’m perhaps too comfortable. I’m ready this year to make some changes and try some new things.
A quote from the book that connected with me is, “Regret from inaction is always more painful than regret from action.” I won’t say I have many regrets, but I do have a list of things I wish I could make some progress on. Taking action–any action–feels like a first step.
An article dissecting Yoda’s oft-quoted admonishment said it “is about the mindset; it’s not about the outcome.” I’m often focused on the outcome, accomplishing my goals, checking another project off my list. But even if I don’t fully complete something, this year I’m trying to remember there’s value in trying.
Home on 129 Acres 
Happy belated New Year Julia !
This was a tough Christmas for our family. My first husband (ex) whom we’ve remained friends over the years passed away from an accidental carbon monoxide positioning in his home in Sydney, NS five days before Christmas. My daughter was amazing in handling this tragic news. She flew out with her husband and two kids under 10 to NS arranging a Celebration of Life where 200 people attended. They flew back to ON five days later where she organized a second service in Oakville for family and friends. It was a beautiful tribute to a man that was deeply loved by many, including myself, in spite of our marriage lasting only 13 years. Carl came to our home for Christmas back in Burlington and was out to us four years ago in November celebrating our grandson’s birthday. He and Jaro got along very well which was lovely.
On a brighter note we are looking forward to a holiday in Cancun the first week of February where Jaro and I are celebrating 20 years of marriage in November. We’ve been together a total of 30 years. The grandkids jumped up and down with excitement when we told them we were all going together to a family all inclusive where we picked this resort with them in mind.
I have an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon mid February. I’m glad that after decades of knee pain I’ll finally be seeing a specialist. I’m hoping he’ll do surgery on my torn meniscus with a floater that catches causing painful inflammation.
My thoughts for 2026 include living in the present. Embracing and being thankful for the many blessings I have right now. Living in the past holds me back in fulfilling a happy future. Fear of the unknown can drag a person down and may never happen. Deal with problems when they happen if and when they do.
All the best to you and your family for the upcoming year.
I hope your flock continues to grow and thrive.
Hugs, Pam
I am so sorry for your loss, Pam. What a difficult experience for you all. It sounds like you are looking ahead to 2026 with positivity and plans–as always. Take good care.
Thank you Julia.💟
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