We are now in the year 2026
Many people are quietly – or not so quietly – looking for change. A deeper change. Not a new planner, not a refreshed routine, not another promise made in the hopeful glow of January. Real change.
My husband Cody and I talked about writing this article together because this moment feels familiar to so many of us. A new year arrives, full of possibility, yet the same internal scenes keep replaying. So here we go.
What images do you nurture in your mind with persistence? What stories loop in the background of your day? Are you repeating the same tired scenes – different calendar, same script? And that raises an important question: What if the story doesn’t change because the inner scene hasn’t?
When you deliberately pay attention, you gain access to a powerful tool – an ally capable of real transformation. Awareness changes everything. Without it, we live on autopilot, replaying yesterday while hoping tomorrow somehow turns out different.
Every January, we talk about New Year’s resolutions. And every year, we watch most of them quietly dissolve by February. Not because people lack discipline or desire, but because behavior doesn’t change until identity does. We try to edit the surface while leaving the root untouched.
Change – real, lasting change – is tough
Let’s be honest about that. Permanent change can feel ominous because it asks something of us. It asks us to release what is familiar, even when what’s familiar is uncomfortable. There is a pathway forward, but it doesn’t begin out there.
Think of it this way: the world outside you acts as a giant mirror of collective thoughts and emotions. But your inner world holds a far more intimate mirror – one that reflects your private thoughts, habitual reactions, and deeply held beliefs. Your thoughts speak constantly. Your senses chatter all day long. Yet it’s not the words you say that shape your experience – it’s the feelings you carry behind them.
The universe responds to the heart, not the lips
We often say we want change, but rarely pause to ask a harder question: What am I willing to give up within myself to achieve it? What beliefs, excuses, resentments, identities, or old stories are you protecting – even as they cost you peace?
Inner peace and tranquility aren’t found by escaping the world. They are created by redesigning the inner space from which you meet it. This is where you become the writer, director, and producer of the movie you are living.
And yes – this takes work. It requires vigilance. It asks you to notice when you’re drifting back into old scenes and gently, firmly choose again. But here’s the good news: it gets easier. Awareness strengthens. Old patterns lose their grip. New ways of thinking become familiar territory.
The more intentionally you write and rewrite your inner narrative, the more aligned your outer life becomes. You begin responding instead of reacting. Choosing instead of defaulting. Creating instead of repeating.
The outer world will continue to do what it has always done. Uncertainty will remain. Change will accelerate. Big shifts are coming. But your inner world – that’s where your real power lives. That’s the one place where you are not a victim of circumstance, where choice still exists, where courage quietly takes root.
So as this new year begins, ask yourself with honesty and compassion: Am I willing to stop rehearsing the past? Am I ready to create something new?
Because the moment you change the scene within, the story ahead cannot help but follow.
Thank you for your message Debra. It’s full of good reminders for how to love the life we choose to create and live. Thank you for being an inspiring friend and for all of the fun we have when we have a chance to talk. I’m wishing you love, happiness & connection in the New Year and Always. Margaux
Margaux, you are a joy in my life. I appreciate all the work you did on my book – thank you again. Have a wonderful year in 2026, and I hope to connect with you soon. Love to you always!
Hi Debra
Happy New Year to you and Cody. It is wonderful to connect with you again. I don’t use FB anymore so haven’t been seeing you like I used to.
I hope you are well and thriving with your ever courageous soul.
This beautifully written piece totally resonates with me. I have been working on my inner dialogue recently so this is so timely.
Just wanted to touch base and thank you for your gorgeous wisdom.
Much love
Caroline
Hi Caroline, like you – I am rarely on FB or social media. Cody and I are great and enjoying life. I am thrilled my article this month resonates with you. I think we are all (if aware) working on our inner dialog, as it is essential to manifesting a happy, joy-filled life. TYSM for your lovely comment, and great to hear from you!
Debra,
This has been on my heart and so resonates with me.
Ever consider writing another amazing book guiding us?
You are a gifted author.
Happy New Year to u and Cody! What a team!
Your fan
Mimi
Mimi, thank you for your comment and kind words.
Yes, I have been thinking about writing another book.
Happy New Year to you and your family.
Thank you so much for being my fan. I am honored!
This is a very inspiring newsletter. I have some issues I need to work on in the coming year and changes that need to be done and this really inspires me to get onto it. Thank you, Debra and Cody for this inspiring piece.
I love your comment, BJ, thank you. As we have all learned, life always brings us shifting change to deal with. I know you will handle yours with grace and peace. xo
Happy New Year, Deb and Cody!
This right here is a powerful statement. It’s so true: “We often say we want change, but rarely pause to ask a harder question: What am I willing to give up within myself to achieve it?”
Change is rarely easy. It requires strength, committment and hard work. But I can tell you first-hand, it’s always worth the effort!
It’s going to be a powerful year of change!
Happy New Year Teresa!
That’s the key, my friend. What are we willing to give up within ourselves to achieve all we desire…this requires courage of the first order. Change can be challenging, especially when it comes to the inner critic, the senses telling us what they want, and habits that we allow to persist.
I agree, this year will be a year of monumental shift for all of us. Cheers to that!
Thank you for this inspiring article and as usual your timing is on point! This particular piece resonated with me
‘Old patterns lose their grip. New ways of thinking become familiar territory.’ I felt that.
This feels like a year of change differently to other years with much going on in the outer world we can anchor our inner world and hold space for ourselves and others there. Becoming the light from the inside out. Love you guys! xo
I am delighted to hear that my article resonated with you. Once we change our thoughts and feelings in our inner world – our outer life transforms, and everything appears different – in a beautiful way. Love and appreciation to you, my friend! xo