Cheers to 2026! Vision Boards, Big Wins, & Prioritizing Educator Wellness

Happy New Year! As we ring in 2026, Mikaela and I wanted to reflect on our year in 2025, and celebrate all that we are bringing into the new year. None of that 'new year, new me' stuff, because we aren't changing as people, rather, focusing on what makes us feel good to be the best versions of ourselves.

Also, a huge thank you to all of you amazing educators that have been on this journey with us! We appreciate your support, whether it be through emails, liking our posts, or even just taking the time to open and read our newsletters. We're excited to continue our growth and collaboration with all of you!

Have you considered reflecting on your Big Wins this year? These Big Wins can be anything, no matter large or small. Maybe your wins are big; you bought a house, booked that dream vacation, or paid off a credit card. Or, maybe your wins are small; you kept the laundry from piling up, you took a walk a few days a week, or you found a new hobby that helps you unwind. Regardless of the size of your wins, take some time to celebrate them. Celebrate your personal wins first, then think of 2 wins from your classroom to reenergize your excitement for back to school!

Here are some of our unexpected Big Wins. All it takes is a leap of faith and that first step!

Now that you have celebrated your wins, have you created a vision board for 2026? Some people make huge collages, or have vision board parties! You can pack in all your dreams, or keep it simple! We thought about a few Big Wins we would like to envision for the next year. (I'm currently reading Aligned Abundance by Emma Mumford, and she mentions that you can manifest your dreams. However, you cannot dictate the how of it happening! What a hard concept for all of us Type A teachers! Imagine, letting go of how things happen?)

Here is a glimpse at our Vision Board.

Lastly, as we sparkle and shine into the new year, remember to prioritize yourself, your health, and wellness. None of the above dreams or wishes can come true if our bodies and minds are crumbling! All too often, we as teachers, prioritize all of the other tasks that need to get done in the day, and say "I'll go to the bathroom later." How many of you have looked at the clock, and said "Wow, it's 11:30 and I haven't had one sip of water?" I'm guilty of riding the dehydration train daily. Moving forward, start thinking about one bite size step you can add into your daily routine (I first learned about 'habit stacking' from the book Atomic Habits by James Clear). Self-efficacy is your ability to believe you have the systems and abilities to be an impactful educator and overall person. This is a daily reminder that what you're doing works, and you matter, everyday.

Best wishes for January! Feel free to comment on this post, or email us your visions, big (and small) wins, or ways your'e going to take care of yourself in January. We'd love to highlight you & share you in our next newsletter featuring vision boards and big wins for educators!

Xoxo,

Boston Literacy Ladies

Jaenine and Mikaela

Subscribe to our newsletter

Aligned Abundance  and Atomic Habits  are available on Amazon.