I have sat on my porch more times than I can count and asked myself the same question 1,000 times.

How can I do better?

I ask myself this question year round but it really comes to the surface at the end of December.

This is the year I will turn 50 and this number seems to create some anxiety. The anxiety stems from my mother’s battle with dementia, my own physical changes, and watching my children create their own lives.

50 feels too close to end. 50 feels like life is moving too fast. 50 seems like time is fleeting.

How can I do better? At almost 50, this seems so much more powerful.

When I focus on how to do better, it usually circles around to health. I am always reading, listening, and learning about how to improve my health. And, it all seems even more crucial than ever.

In my resolutions for 2025, I accomplished a great deal. I wanted to reach a goal weight, which was reached. I wanted to create the Busy Bee Butters, which I did. I wanted to tent camp more and take more pictures of nature. I succeeded. I wanted to create more good energy with less toxins, clean foods, connect more with nature, and more self care- I did my best.

But, I keep saying, how can I do better?

How can I be a better teacher to my students? How can I be a better yoga instructor? How can I be a better mom? How can I be a better wife? How can I be a better friend and co-worker? How can I be a better human?

When I ask this question- it isn’t because I feel I am failing. I just know that I can always do better. We all can.

Being better doesn’t mean you are failing. Being better means you care enough about yourself and others to continue to move forward- with purpose.

How can I do better?

How can we do better?

I know that laws are for people who follow them, passion is for people that care, and kindness only applies to those that feel.

To those who try, thank you. To those who wake up each day and give a shit, thank you. To those who strive to teach, listen, and feel, thank you.

How can I do better in 2026?

If I am quiet, know that I am trying to listen better. If I am not around, I may be connecting more with nature. If I hug you, I am trying to help you heal. If I am crying, I may just be connecting. If I am sad, I will get better. If I am too positive, my hopes are that the joy bleeds onto you.

I don’t know when my time on this earth will end. My hopes are that I will be around for years to come- but I don’t want to leave this planet grumpy, angry, bitter, and/or lost.

When you get cancer, often times people will say- it makes you appreciate what you have.

Appreciate!!! I bleed appreciation. I didn’t need to experience watching my mother forget my name and get breast cancer for appreciation.

How can I do better?

I will continue to appreciate in 2026. I will continue to improve my health. I will try to fear less. I will continue to love. I will continue to share hope.

I see things different at almost 50. I know things can change with one scan, one doctor visit, or with one accident.

I hope your 2026 is filled with the question of- How can I do better?