MEASURE THE MOMENTS, NOT THE DAYS

Welcome aboard as we cruise into 2026! Every year we start with a calendar flip that puts into perspective our dreams, goals to pursue, experiences to live through, and tasks to finish. Sometimes these carry over from the previous year, and other times, we start fresh.

As I hung my 2026 bicycle calendar on the wall, I realized each new year teaches me something about myself. Particularly when the challenges take hold that stretch our patience, we carve a little piece of wisdom in our book of lives to share with others—for the act of trying to prevent others to endure similar trials or for us to hopefully not make the same mistake twice. Our maturity is tested and our ability to persevere somehow leads the way. This tests the way we define and measure what the year held for us and its success.

Sometimes we end up measuring how our year went by the amount of negative days and experiences, but do not put as much emphasis on all the positive ones that came along the way. The moments that made us smile.

For me, when I was bedridden, if I looked at my life during those three years as a whole, there wouldn’t be much to celebrate. I could easily have chalked it off to yet another miserable year. My life was rather dull staring out the window. I was in constant pain, and I couldn’t do much but wait as we crossed off the days, eventually months, and years. But rather, I changed my perspective to reflect on the moments that brought me joy rather than measuring the days and years as a complete unit. From the games that my dad and I played like Uno and Scrabble to pass the time to the reruns we watched together and laughed while waiting for the opportunity for me to be well enough to get out of bed, those were some pretty great times!

I remember starting a novel that I wrote only a paragraph or two a day at most that only lasted a week, but it was something to be celebrated, which tells me the little things in life are what hold some of the largest meaning to me. The moments of my life I will never forget even if its longevity was short-lived. This is why I journal often and place reminders to remember when the days may be heavy, there is something light to be found as well if you consider the moments.

What if you measured your life experiences by the amount of moments rather than the days? Write and journal about what made you smile, laugh, and brought you joy no matter how big or small they may be. Take them out when you need a quick boost of happiness, positivity, and find gratitude.

Check out our Gratitude Journaling to create a mantra to start your day on a positive note and reflect on all the moments you can appreciate throughout the day. This is living in the present and it's all we have, so let's make the most of it.

What legacy will you leave in 2026? May your story write itself in the new year with the best of health, happiness, peace, and love.

Cheering for you. Create many moments of joy.