Can you believe you’re already halfway through the year? 2026 is known as the “Year of the Fire Horse,” a special year that only comes around once every 60 years. It’s often associated with momentum and moving forward with purpose. Now is the perfect time to pause and check in with yourself. How are you doing with your goals, dreams, and deadlines? Have you kept the momentum going, or has life gotten in the way?
One thing I’ve learned is that momentum works a lot like laundry. When you stay on top of it, it feels manageable. But when you let it pile up, it can feel overwhelming to get started again. The good news is that it’s never too late. If you’ve lost momentum, today can be your fresh start. Revisit your goals, give your dreams a deadline, and take one small step forward. Before you know it, you’ll be building momentum again, one intentional choice at a time.
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Grab your journal, head to your favorite spot (coffee shop, park, your backyard) and take a few moments to reflect on the questions below since we are at the mid-year point of the year of the fire horse!
What are you most grateful for so far this year?
How’s your momentum on projects you’ve wanted to accomplish? Where do you need to pause and change course?
What lesson has this year taught you?
What challenge helped you grow?
What has brought you the most happiness?
Are your daily choices aligned with your core guiding values? If not, how can you improve?
What’s one dream you want to pursue during the rest of the year?
What’s one brave step you can take this month?
Who can you encourage this week?
What do you want to look back and celebrate at the end of this year?
Have you heard the quote before from Lao Tzu that says, “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished”? You can trust the timing of your life. It is always perfect, even when it might not seem like it. Nature has a beautiful lesson to teach you about timing. Back in March, I spent time sitting beneath blooming cherry trees on my birthday, and I noticed something beautiful. While the cherry trees were in full bloom, the azaleas hadn’t opened yet, the rhododendrons were still waiting, and some trees were still bare from winter. Each one was growing exactly as it was meant to, in its own perfect season.
Another story I want to share about perfect timing came to me after one of our horses passed away. Friends sent thoughtful sympathy cards right away, but one special card didn’t arrive until two months later, on a day when I was deeply missing the horse who passed. The card came at exactly the moment I needed it most.
Moments like these remind me that God’s timing is often different from your own, but it is always purposeful. If you’re in a season of waiting, don’t lose heart. It’s never too late for your dreams. Just as every flower blooms in its own season, don’t forget that your story is unfolding in the perfect timing, too.
Wanna know the secret to finally reaching your goals? Pick a deadline! How are you doing with your goals? Have you given them a deadline, or are they still waiting for “someday”? Studies have shown that many people accomplish most of the work in the last portion of the time you’re given. That’s why setting a date is so important.
I remember when I was just getting started with Happy Success Ranch Retreats. Dave asked me a simple question: “When is your first retreat?” I hadn’t picked a date yet, but once I did, everything changed. I had something to work toward, and each step became more intentional.
I also love Sandra Yancey’s reminder: “Ready isn’t a feeling. It’s a decision.” If you’re waiting until you feel completely ready, you may be waiting forever. I want to encourage you to choose one goal, set a deadline, and take the very next step. You might be surprised at what you can accomplish when you decide to begin.
I want to share the story of one of the scariest nights of my life. Late one evening while my husband Dave and I were cuddled on the couch watching TV, an intruder entered our home through our unlocked kitchen door after hiding his vehicle near our barn. Thankfully, the situation ended safely, and law enforcement later told us they were grateful Dave and I were alive. I’m not sharing this story to frighten you, but to encourage you.
Sometimes it’s easy to become comfortable and forget the importance of simple precautions like locking doors and staying aware of surroundings. More importantly, this experience reminded me of God’s protection, presence, and faithfulness even in the most unsettling moments. Life is precious, and while you can’t control everything, you can be wise, vigilant, and trust that God is with you through every circumstance.
Have you ever thought about someone out of the blue and wondered why? Maybe it wasn’t random at all. This month, I’m celebrating 12 years with Send Out Cards/Promptings and reflecting on the incredible power of gratitude, kindness, and connection. Over the years, I’ve sent more than 29,000 cards, and one thing I’ve learned is that the smallest gestures often have the biggest impact. A handwritten card, a thoughtful text, a quick phone call, or even a simple “I’m thinking about you” can brighten someone’s day in ways you may never fully know.
As a Gratitude Consultant, I’ve seen firsthand how reaching out benefits both the sender and the receiver. When you pause to notice, appreciate, and encourage others, it changes your heart, too. It creates more love, kindness, and connection in the world.
Here’s my question for you: Who is on your heart today? Is there someone you’ve been meaning to call, text, message, or send a card to? Don’t ignore that prompting. Tell them you love them. Let them know you’re thinking about them. Your small act of kindness might be exactly what they need today.
Sometimes you spend so much time nurturing relationships with family, friends, coworkers, and the people you love that you forget to nurture yourself, too. In this week’s video, I want to share a reminder from a peaceful moment by the river with friends about the importance of self-care and caring for your own heart, mind, and well-being. The relationship you have with yourself matters deeply, and taking time to rest, breathe, reflect, and recharge is not selfish. It’s necessary. Whether it’s sitting by a river, walking through a park, or simply enjoying a quiet moment in your own backyard, you need to find a peaceful place and make time to care for yourself this week.
