CalypsoLair Chronicles

I finally managed to take a moment to write and make a post about the incoming year. Granted, it’s already February by the time I’m writing this; it still doesn’t erase the fact that it’s still a brand-new year.

After a month of getting used to writing the correct year (2026 instead of 2025), I’d like to think that we’re all ready to walk on a journey that 2026 will bring us. And since January has always been the month of New Year’s Resolutions, I decided to actively show up for myself with my own set of resolutions before writing them down in hopes that I’ll be able to carry it until the end of the year.

And instead of resolutions, I’d like to call them personal goals. Truth be told, I was never the type to have goals I’d like to accomplish every year. But this year made me want to try to have one and see where it will take me by the end of the year.

So, here are my goals for 2026:

• Workout

In the first week of January, I made an active decision to go back to the gym near my place and show up for myself. I registered last year, but I never got to go there due to my busy schedule. There are a few people who know this, but for a long time, I have been having a hard time looking at myself in front of a mirror, and even when I do, I barely recognize myself being there. During the first few weeks, I remember reaching the front door and turning around since I felt a little out of place. However, I remember watching one of those videos where it says, “Sometimes, all you need to do is show up.” I used that as my motivation.

I decided to sign up for a coaching session for at least a month to familiarize myself with the use of gym equipment as well as learn more about different kinds of exercise. Granted, with the technology we have today, it’s so easy for us to look for exercises on YouTube, but there’s still something different in having a coach to spot you when you need it or even teaching you the correct forms whenever you’re doing something new. And while I started going to the gym, I slowly began adding healthy salads to my meals. I found it easy to prepare when you have free time during the night and have it ready to snack on when you’re feeling peckish.

• Learning a new language

I am currently studying Japanese 1 in UP Linguistics at the start of the year. Though I used to take short courses in Japanese when I was in a call center, I decided to finally enroll in Japanese Language at UP Linguistics to learn how to speak and write properly. Once I pass the exam for Japanese 1, I’d like to enroll in Japanese 2 and hopefully take a JLPT exam for N5 (probably next year? lol). This time, I’m slowly becoming better at reading Hiragana, albeit still slow. This month, I intend to familiarize myself with learning Katakana and, little by little, learning Kanji.

By the end of this year, I wish to speak in Japanese to prep for N5.

• Read at least 5 books this year (and write reviews about them, hopefully)

Since last year, I have picked up the habit of reading again. I’d like to thank my refurbished Kobo Nia for that. Ever since I had it last year, I have been able to read wherever I go thanks to its compact design. It’s not the latest model, but it keeps the job done. I can simply take out my E-reader (Kobo Nia) while I wait for the bus to arrive to bring me home, or when work is a little forgiving, sneak a chapter or two.

Don’t get me wrong, I still love the feeling of having physical books in my hand as I turn the page to immerse myself in the stories I read. But currently, I don’t have enough space to shelve more books than what I already have in my place. Additionally, I have tons of books that I still need to read and finish. I plan to write reviews about them.

So far, with my current hyperfixation on Crave’s Heated Rivalry series, I’ve already finished reading 3 books from Game Changer series authored by Rachel Reid, so I’d like to think that it’s currently going well.

• Keep a journal

With the success of keeping a journal for almost a year (November went by so fast, and suddenly, it’s December), I wanted to do it again. That said, I now keep a journal just to dump my thoughts or things that happened that day. I’ve also been trying to have a habit of writing more. Or taking care of myself more by doing skincare and paying attention to my needs. I also have an area in my journal where I keep a recap of what happened during that week. Something to read in the future by future me and hopefully, inspire me to write more frequently.

• Be more confident with Self / Be a bit more social

Now this, this is the part where I struggle the most, and perhaps the most challenging part of my goals for this year. Not sure if people noticed, but I’ve always been a bit awkward around people, especially with new ones I meet. Back when I used to stream frequently, I was able to chat with new visitors on my stream, but it seems like I’ve lost touch with that. So maybe if I started streaming again, I’ll be able to slowly build my confidence up.

Though maybe it doesn’t have to be on stream. Perhaps learning to accept compliments and acknowledge several things that I might be good at. I know it’s a long shot, but I’ll still do my best. I mean, I started streaming again! So that’s good (I hope).

Based on these goals I’ve set for 2026, I think two words can encapsulate what I must do: Show Up. Sometimes, the very act of showing up is hard. Just thinking about going to the gym after a long day at work makes me want to jump into my bed and tell myself, “I can’t do it.” And there are times that it is. Really. But there are also times when you can just tell yourself, “let’s try putting on our gym clothes and see from there.” And then, you allow yourself to just try. One step at a time.

This year, I want to show up for myself. To actively choose myself and be a better version of myself. It’s still early to say where my goals will take me. Whether I’ll be able to do at least two out of the five points I’ve written in here or not. Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself. Or maybe I will finish 2026 with a different outlook.

But one thing’s for certain, I’m excited for the memories and lessons that 2026 will bring me.

What about you? What’s your current resolution or goal for this year?