Every year, as the calendar flips to January, I find myself making the same resolutions I’ve made for as long as I can remember.
-Save money.
-Lose weight.
-Exercise more.
-Get healthy.
-Save money again (because somehow it always ends up on the list twice).
And while those goals still matter — especially as I get older — I’ve realized something important over the years. The heart behind those resolutions has shifted.
At 45 years old, with most of my kids now adults, my perspective looks a little different than it did when they were small.
The Resolutions That Never Really Change
Wanting to be healthy — physically and emotionally — is something I don’t think ever leaves us. I still want to move more, feel better, and take care of myself so I can show up fully for the people I love.
But health, to me now, isn’t just about numbers on a scale or steps tracked on a watch. It’s also about mental wellness, balance, joy, and connection.
And that’s where travel keeps showing up in my life.
The Memories That Changed Everything
When I look back, the moments that stand out most aren’t the years I stuck perfectly to a budget or hit a fitness goal.
They’re the experiences.
-The Walt Disney World trip in 2014 — watching my kids experience the magic, the laughter, the exhaustion, the memories we still talk about today.
-The countless trips to Destin, where beach days blurred together in the best way possible.
-The familiar comfort of Gatlinburg, returning again and again because it feels like home, no matter the season.
Those trips weren’t perfect. They weren’t always easy. But they were ours — and they became part of our family story.
Why 2026 Looks Different
As I move into 2026, my resolution list looks a little less rigid — and a lot more intentional.
I still want to be healthy.
I still want to be mindful with money.
But I also want to:
-Take the trips
-Create the memories
-Say yes to experiences
-Travel with the people I love while I still can
Because time moves fast — faster than we ever expect — and the moments we share matter more than the plans we postpone.
Three Compass Journeys Is Part of That Resolution
Starting Three Compass Journeys wasn’t just a career decision — it was a life decision.
It was my way of choosing experiences over “someday,” helping other families create memories, and leaning into what truly brings me joy.
Travel isn’t just about destinations. It’s about connection, perspective, and stories that last long after the bags are unpacked.
And that’s the resolution I’m carrying with me into the new year.
A Gentle Reminder for the New Year
If you’re making resolutions this year, I hope you leave a little room for grace.
You don’t have to do everything perfectly.
You don’t have to wait until “later.”
Take the trip.
Make the memory.
Start now.
Because years from now, those moments will matter more than any checklist ever could.
Here’s to 2026 — and to a year filled with health, love, and unforgettable journeys.
— Three Compass Journeys
