What I’m Taking Into This Next Year
I turned 36 this past week. And this year felt a little different. Not in a big, dramatic way…but in a quieter, more honest way.
I’ve been thinking a lot about what’s actually working for me right now… and what I want to bring with me into this next year of my life. Because the past few months haven’t just been about training.
They’ve also been about:
moving through some major personal life shifts
managing some chronic, low-grade pain
reworking routines
and honestly, just trying to feel like myself again
So instead of pushing harder, I did something different. I pulled back.
What’s Actually Been Working
If I look at this past month — what I called The Steady March — the biggest wins didn’t come from doing more.
They came from doing less, but better. Two things really stood out for me.
Supporting My Gut + Nervous System
I focused on:
eating in a way that felt steady
paying attention to digestion
not rushing meals
managing stress a little more intentionally
Nothing extreme, no overhaul. Just more awareness, and I can feel the difference. I have more stable energy, better digestion and less of that “on edge” feeling.
Slowing Down My Meals
This one surprised me. Just… not rushing. Actually sitting down. Taking my time.
Letting myself feel satisfied instead of either overly full or still searching.
It sounds small, but it changed a lot. It made meals feel more grounding — less like something to get through, and more like something that supported me.
What I Didn’t Do (and Why)
I didn’t push hard in the gym this month, and that was intentional. Between some lingering pain and some things going on in my personal life, it just wasn’t the season for max effort.
Instead, I focused on:
moving in ways that felt good
maintaining strength where I could
and not forcing intensity when my body wasn’t asking for it
That’s something I want to carry forward:
Not every season is a push season.
Some seasons are about:
support
recovery
recalibration
And those seasons matter just as much.
What I’m Bringing Into This Next Year
If I had to sum it up simply:
I want to feel steady before I try to level up.
That means:
taking care of my nervous system
building routines that actually fit my life
listening to my body instead of overriding it
focusing on consistency over intensity
Because that’s what creates progress you can actually keep.
Looking Ahead
With spring here, things do feel a little lighter. And I am ready to build again. But this time, it’s coming from a different place.
April is going to focus on:
getting stronger with intention
progressive overload
building on a solid base
Not rushing. Not forcing it. Just… building.
If You’re in a Similar Season
If things feel a little off right now — physically, mentally, emotionally — I just want to say:
You’re not behind. You might just be in a season where your body needs something different.
And sometimes the most productive thing you can do… is stabilize first.
More soon,
Steph 🌿