Choose joy in 2026

According to the Chinese zodiac, we are at the tail-end of the Year of the Snake. I am not really into astrology, however when I read that 2025 was a year of re-birth, of moving away from old habits, the shedding of things that no longer serve, and quiet progress in tune with our true nature, I couldn't help but nod along.

I saw this shedding of skin in the studio (not literally!). Women forging a new path, uncertain, yet determined and curious. Diagnoses and injuries that have enforced a new way of being, temporarily for some, permanently for others. Relational situations, whether with partners or children, that are challenging, and requiring all their energy to figure out how to be, how to cope. For many, a sinking to the ground, belly to the earth if you will, hearing the reassuring drumbeat of footfall and the steady presence of their own heartbeat.

I had some of my own moments through the year; the shucking off of old thought patterns and stepping into uncertainty. It has allowed me to land in 2026 clear-eyed, focused and calm in the face of not knowing. I am trying to not worry about things outside of my control, I am deepening my quality friendships, and taking on further study. I am going deep, not wide.

So, here are my tips for 2026, the Year of the Horse:

🌿 Cherish your body, however it is right now

🌿 Breath is the most useful, accessible tool to shift your mood

🌿 Prioritise sleep and a healthy pre-sleep routine. We can't function properly without it!

🌿 Move your body every day. It doesn't have to be for long. It doesn't have to look fancy. Variety keeps it interesting and consistency makes it a habit

🌿 Reframe 'I have to ...' to 'I get to ...'. Gamechanger!

🌿 Smile and say hello to fellow walkers. Wave at kids in cars. Ask interesting questions. Hug someone extra tight. It can be that easy to make someones day

🌿 Pause, whether for a few minutes of intentional meditation, or for a few breaths before moving on to the next thing. A grounded you is a compassionate, steady, present human in the world, and the world need more of those :)

I leave you with a poem given to me by a lovely yogi:

Joy by Donna Ashworth

Joy does not arrive with a fanfare,

on a red carpet strewn with the flowers of a perfect life.

Joy sneaks in, as you pour a cup of coffee,

watching the sun hit your favourite tree, just right.

And you usher joy away,

because you are not ready for it.

Your house is not as it must be,

for such a distinguished guest.

But joy cares nothing for your messy home,

or your bank-balance,

or your waistline, you see.

Joy is supposed to slither through the cracks of your

imperfect life,

that's how joy works.

You cannot invite her, you can only be ready when she appears.

And hug her with meaning,

because in this very moment,

joy chose you.

Allow yourself to be chosen by joy ❤️

With love,

Amanda xx