Newsletter for January 9th, 2026

Looking Back to Move Forward

We made it through the first eight days of January and 2026! How are you doing? Feeling good? Are you sticking with those New Year’s resolutions?

I haven’t necessarily made resolutions this year, but I have taken a "life inventory"—looking back at 2025 to see what I want to bring with me into 2026 and what I need to leave behind. It is so incredible to think that this August, God willing, I will celebrate two decades without a drink! That is insane to me, given that I once couldn’t imagine going a week without a glass of wine. Yet, here I am.

I give all the credit for my success to my 12-step programs. Ironically, this year I want to focus more on the "restraint of tongue and pen." Essentially, I want to practice the art of keeping my mouth shut! For years, I felt it was vital to share my opinions with everyone, and I often shared too much about my personal life. I don’t beat myself up for that openness, because I know I shared my stories so that others wouldn’t feel as alone as I once did.

On this journey, I used to think I was "special"—that no one else had the heartaches I had. I was completely wrong. We all have problems; we all have things we are ashamed of or things we might take to our graves. Having "fellow travelers" by my side has given me a safe place to share those secrets.

It is my wish that everyone has someone special they can feel safe with—someone who won't judge or betray their confidence. (BTW, I am coaching again! If you want to find more clarity, you can get my Free Guide to Finding Clarity and Peace here.)

Back to my thoughts (LOL)—I am practicing deep self-care in 2026. As for my opinions, I’ll save them for safe spaces, like my podcast and dear friends. It’s strange; growing up in the 70s and 80s, my parents had friends with vastly different political and religious beliefs. It didn’t matter. In fact, it made dinner parties more interesting! You could share a thought, and whether you agreed or not, you learned something. It gave you perspective. That is what America was built on: the freedom to share. It was rarely as mean or violent as it feels today.

How many friends have you lost since COVID? I’ve lost a lot. People think I’m too opinionated or that my views are "wrong" simply because they believe something else. I understand that people come into our lives for seasons, but I’ve had a lot of "season dwellers" and not many lifelong friends lately. I think many of you might be experiencing the same thing.

Why can’t we come together in 2026? It doesn’t have to be about how the country is run or what you believe about God; what if we connected simply because we are human beings who need connection? Mother Teresa said, “The reason we don’t have peace is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” She was right. We’ve forgotten pleasantries and kindness.

Speaking of kindness (or the lack thereof), hold onto your hat for this story from the holidays...

I was driving to Mass on New Year’s Day—a five-minute drive max. I was running right on time (which means not a second to spare!). I got through the first light, but at the second, the car in front of me just sat there on the green. I gave a very soft "wake up" honk—not aggressive at all. As the car finally turned left and I turned right, I glanced over. The passenger looked me dead in the eye and screamed, "FU!"

I was flabbergasted. Jaw dropped. Well, I get into my pew, and during Mass, when it comes time to offer the Sign of Peace... the man who told me to "FO" was sitting two pews behind me!

People are angry these days, but at least he was in church. Hopefully, he left in a better mood! LOL.

This year, I am choosing to look for the positive in every situation. You can always find the light if you look for it. Like I always say: when life gives you lemons, you must make lemonade.

Thanks for reading. I’ll be back next week. Until then, know that you are never alone.

XOXO,

Bizzy