December 23, 2025
Beginning the Year on a New Page
Age is something I’ve thought about throughout my life. When I was younger, I couldn’t wait to be an adult. Once I arrived there — facing all the responsibilities that come with it — I found myself wishing, at times, to be a child again. I’ve ticked off milestone ages, eagerly anticipating some while quietly dreading others. Now, firmly in my 40s, I’ve come to realize that life is more than the age you happen to be. Each passing year becomes another part of your story, and instead of focusing on numbers, I’ve begun to think of my life as a series of chapters, slowly coming together to form the book of my life.
With a new year upon us, it feels natural to think of this moment as turning the page rather than counting the numbers. It’s the perfect time to pause and ask myself which chapter I’m currently living in, and, just as importantly, what I want to carry forward and what I’m ready to leave behind as the next chapter begins.
As the clock strikes midnight this year, I’m turning the page on living according to other people’s standards — measuring, adjusting, and trying to meet expectations that weren’t always my own. It taught me a lot, but it also reminded me how easy it is to lose your footing when you’re not listening to yourself.
As I turn the page, I’m stepping into a chapter that feels more authentic and freer. It’s a season in which I’ll be guided by my own values and moving at my own pace while trusting more in myself and what feels right. It’s a gentler chapter, I hope, and one I’m looking forward to starting.
Share with us: What’s the name of the chapter you’re currently on?
Find inspiration for the new year in Bella Grace Issue 46.
Sunny D
December 26, 2025 at 11:19 am
“Coming Home”
A chapter defined less by striving or proving and more by alignment, it’s about shedding borrowed expectations, trusting my own inner compass, and allowing life to unfold at a pace that feels true to me. Not an ending, not a reinvention for show, but a quiet return to what’s always been mine.
Susan
December 27, 2025 at 4:00 am
My next chapter is mindfulness about my art practice
Debbie
December 27, 2025 at 4:07 am
You can only follow your one true north otherwise you get lost in others thoughts and opinions. Follow your gut and live your best life!!!
Gay
December 27, 2025 at 5:54 am
My chapter title is renewal.
Almira
December 27, 2025 at 9:08 am
I loved this. I needed this. God started my year off talking about chapters. I’m in my 60’s. I got cancer at 47 and have felt like I’m 80 ever since. The last 18 months has been full of grief, lost, betrayal and sorrow, but God. It is not over. I am not lost. I am recovering. I realized those things had to happen the way they did. I am stepping into a new chapter of real joy and freedom that comes with healing and letting go knowing my best days are ahead of me. May your best days be ahead of you too!
BethAnn Rivers
January 6, 2026 at 9:51 pm
❤️
Kelley
December 27, 2025 at 7:16 pm
Just what I needed: “Each passing year becomes another part of your story” and “Guided by my own values, moving at my own pace while trusting more in myself and what feels right”.
Sandy
December 28, 2025 at 6:40 am
I think I will follow the kind of path you just described. I need this kind of change. Thank you for all of your inspiration this past year!
Jt
December 30, 2025 at 5:08 am
My chapter, at 65, is titled Coasting. I volunteered for countless causes the last 40 years, believing I had to earn my space on the planet. I no longer believe such things. I have always, always loved to read and watch movies. So that’s what I do! It’s my life!
Candace
December 31, 2025 at 4:21 am
Parenting chapter for sure. While also leaning into the discovery of myself and what my needs are again. Happy New Year 2026!
Kathleen O
January 6, 2026 at 11:58 pm
Letting go of anger, hurts and disappointment, feelings of abandonment. This chapter is about radiance, creating new and positive experiences, art and hope for love, joy, peace and grace in this world.
Kat Gilman
December 31, 2025 at 6:56 am
As the old year ends and a new year begins, I find myself about to embark on this chapter of my life: Living the Found Me. I have spent many previous chapters looking for me. Searching. Trying out new things, people, places, events, opportunities, hobbies, passions. Dare I say, “I am finally me?” Having arrived at this new me, I plan to spend the new year just being myself. Feeding my soul. Living my passions.
Laura
January 3, 2026 at 7:24 am
I am in my winter chapter, where “I CREATE” all aspects of my life as I have lived a long life “GIVING” my life to others.
Tracy Stam
January 7, 2026 at 7:08 am
Chapter 2026: Perseverance
Perseverance found me the last 4 months of 2025. The trivial was buried
under the important. Faith in the unknown carried me forward day by day. Time was cut short, and more time was given when I thought there wasn’t enough. Exhaustion was consuming but energy was found in simple things that I had to search for but were right in front of me. This will carry me into 2026 with a new understanding of life and its importance. Every day I wake up, it is up to me and only me to make the most of it that day. Whatever the day hands to me.
Beth
January 10, 2026 at 4:36 am
What’s The Best That Could Happen?
As I approach the empty nest chapter of my life, I find myself trying to discover who I am and what fills my soul. I recently read an opinion asking, what’s the best that could happen? It is now front and center on my vision board. Life is full of worry, decisions, and unknowns. We can always list the cons. But answering that one question could outweigh all the negatives. What an exciting idea!
Pennye Latimer
January 12, 2026 at 7:01 am
I stumbled on your magazine last night at the book store! I gravitate towards magical and inspirational messages. This is perfect ! One intention for 2026 is to try not getting age limit my beliefs and keep doing my best. Thank you for a beautiful publication that’s authentic!