Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.
The rules are, there are no rules.
HELLO 2026 ✨
I love, LOVE, loveeee the energy of a new year!
I don’t care so much about resolutions. I’m not interested in becoming a different person per say, I quite like who I am. Gasp! But I am into intentions and I love the idea of personal betterment. If the pressure of having your entire life together by January 1st makes you feel anxious as all get out but you love the new year energy, this newsletter is for you!
And don’t worry, you won’t find the tired New Year, New You pressure here. What you will find are sensible, actionable and grounding exercises to set YOU up for the 2026 YOU aspire to.
On My Mind
Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure.
Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.
―Helen Keller, The Open Door
I love this quote by Ms. Keller because it reminds me that to live is to risk it for the biscuit. The more risk, the more life! Security is a fantasy. Nothing is certain. And because of this, not in spite of it, we might as well give XYZ a whirl. 😏
Anything is possible! Read that again.
On My Tongue
Last night, a friend graciously gave me her 8:30 p.m. reservation to Bong, a new-ish, itsy-bitsy, absolutely electrifying Cambodian restaurant in Crown Heights that combines chaotic party energy with thrillingly funky cooking.
What we ordered:
Plea Satch Ko (I’m salivating recalling the tenderloin, it’s like getting a punch to the face of flavor in the BEST way.)
Crabbage (the green peppercorn in this was INSANE, reminded me of Szechuan cuisine, SO yum, my mouth was on fire.)
Somlor Machu Clams (While the idea of clams dripping in sour tamarind was enticing, this dish ultimately fell flat against the flavorful background of the other dishes, I’d pass.)
Fried Fish (Whole fish with 10 out of 10 ground lime seasoning, buttery and fun to eat with the rice noodles in the formation of a taco.)
Bong is an example of the beauty of what’s possible with creative constraints: max 20 people can be seated & they’re only open 3 days a week. As such, Bong is the perfect Brooklyn restaurant experience. Super cozy space, truly lovely staff, incredible creative food in a casual environment. 9 out of 10, everything about Bong sings.
👉 If you love hearing about excellent eats, in next Sunday’s newsletter I drop the BEST NYC restaurant list by New Yorkers, you don’t want to miss this.
🧨 It’s good, like really good.
In My Eyes
Surviving the brutalities of winter is best accomplished through a series of experiences to look forward to.
From getting all the ingredients to cook a new and complex dish to going on a weekend getaway, it’s a good idea to have ‘an event’ for your brain to be in anticipation of. I’ve recently unlocked my new favorite winter survival tool, going to my local botanical garden and spending an afternoon in the conservatory. 🌿🌿🌿 The lushness and humidity is bound to put a smile on your face and drop those shoulders.
On My Soul
2026 planning requires 2025 reflection, let’s get into it!
As long as you finish this in January, you’re in good shape. Don’t let the ‘pressure’ pressure you. 😉
🧠 Fun fact, the Gregorian calendar, created by Catholic Pope Gregory XIII, was adopted internationally and has endured for 444 years, remaining the calendar we all use to this day. Now I call that leaving a legacy.
Reviewing my vision board from 2025, I was like ughhh I don’t think I really accomplished but one thing on here. And then I did this exercise I’m about to take you through…
Turns out I traveled to 4 states domestically and 6 countries internationally in the last year, not bad eh! 10 trips is my personal idea of bliss, ha. I paid +30k off my mortgage. I designed, sourced materials for and project managed my NYC gut kitchen renovation. I met my best friends new baby! I took an international girls trip with my mom. I danced until sunrise in Ibiza to my favorite DJ with a group of Italians. I shipped some of the best strategic and creative work of my career at ŌURA. I PR’d, ie got stronger, at the gym across nearly every exercise. I cooked a 7 fishes feast for Christmas for the first time with a community of people I love. I attended a meditation and movement retreat where I made new friends. And so much more!
Turns out, memory is a tricky bitch and recency bias can be a liar.
In taking an inventory you realize how much you truly have experienced and accomplished which grounds you in gratefulness, not lack.
Now it’s time to reflect back on your year. I can almost certainly guarantee that at the very least you’ll feel quite proud of yourself and find a modicum of gratitude for the last 12 months. And at most, you may just find yourself inspired. Give yourself an hour of uninterrupted time and dive into the following 5 sections:
1. What worked?
What did I experience/accomplish/feel/do this year? We’re looking for what felt meaningful to you not externally impressive.
What worked for me? Habits? Friendships? Attitudes? And why?
What did I do that I want to do more of next year?
Where did I show up bravely, consistently, or with integrity?
