What I’m Doing Differently in 2026 to Live With More Faith, Peace, and Intention

As I step into 2026, I don’t feel pressure to reinvent myself — but I do feel a strong desire to live differently. More grounded. More ordered. More intentional.

Last year, I was busy. Constantly moving. Doing a lot, but not always moving toward the things that truly mattered. I don’t want another year of being an “energizer bunny” without real progress. This year, I want my life to reflect faith, peace, and purpose, not just in what I say, but in how I live daily.

I’m looking forward to learning, slowing down, and choosing to be more intentional with what God has already planned for me.

Here’s what I’m doing differently in 2026.

1. Living With More Faith: Structure, Scripture, and Daily Alignment

Living with faith isn’t just saying “I have faith.” It’s about truly believing, and positioning yourself daily to hear God and follow His lead.

This year, faith starts with being in God’s Word consistently and intentionally.

My church is beginning the year with a 21 Days of Prayer challenge, starting January 1st. I love the idea of starting the year strong in both Scripture and prayer. After those 21 days, I plan to create my own Bible reading plan to follow.

Right now, I’m leaning toward monthly reading plans instead of quarterly ones. Shorter plans feel more sustainable for me. Clearer, more focused, and easier to follow through on.

My plan is to:

• choose specific Bible stories or chapters focused on faith and peace

• decide how many days per week I’ll read

• choose which days

• set a specific time

• and write out what I’m reading, along with the meaning and message — truly studying His Word

I want the plan to be crystal clear. No guessing. No “I’ll get to it later.”

“Write the vision and make it plain.” — Habakkuk 2:2

But beyond studying God’s Word, daily alignment with Him is non-negotiable for me this year.

Studying Scripture is one thing. Starting each day grounded in God’s Word is another.

Every morning, before the day has a chance to pull at me, I want to set a spiritual intention. Because the truth is, every day brings spiritual opposition — thoughts, distractions, pressure, stress, doubt. If I don’t anchor myself early, it’s easy to forget God’s Word and promises once trials show up.

For me, daily alignment might look like:

• a few Scriptures from the Bible app

• listening to a short sermon or devotional

• quiet prayer before my house wakes up

I love listening to voices like Sarah Jakes Roberts, Steven Furtick, and Michael Todd as added encouragement; especially in the morning or mid-day. One of my favorite sermons is “Girl, Get Up” by Sarah Jakes Roberts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3k8VEN13a0 It’s such a powerful reminder, especially stepping into a new year. It’s time to get up, girls.

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” — Matthew 4:4

2. Choosing Peace on Purpose

Peace is something I had to redefine.

Peace doesn’t mean the absence of responsibility, problems, or effort.

Peace means internal calm, clarity of mind, emotional steadiness, and spiritual rest — even when life is full.

“The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds.” — Philippians 4:7

God’s Word absolutely brings peace, but peace also requires intentional habits that support a clear mind and spirit.

So I sat down and asked myself:

What actually brings me peace? What clears my mind? What calms my body and spirit?

For me, that list includes:

• working out

• going on walks outside

• listening to self-development or faith-based podcasts

• self-care routines (facials, skincare, nail care — even DIY at home)

• massages or spa treatments when possible

The reality is, some of these things cost money. But instead of skipping them altogether, choose a creative alternative such as DIY facials, home routines, walking instead of gym days when needed.

Peace doesn’t have to be expensive; at least not for me.

Just like prioritizing God’s Word, I plan to schedule the things that bring me peace. And honestly, you should too. Put them on the calendar. Make them routine. Because if you don’t, life will fill your calendar for you.

3. Creating Routines, Plans, and Order

Another big shift for me this year is creating more structure.

I’ve learned that when things live only in my head, they often don’t get done. Writing things down:

• makes goals visible

• creates accountability

• removes confusion

• brings clarity

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” — 1 Corinthians 14:40

This year, I’m creating routines and plans not to restrict my life, but to support it.

For me, this looks like:

• deciding what I want to focus on in a given season

• breaking that focus into simple, repeatable habits

• assigning those habits specific days and times

For example, instead of saying “I want to be healthier,” I’m asking:

• What does that look like weekly?

• Which days will I work out?

• What time of day works best?

• What’s realistic for my current season?

When a plan is written down and scheduled, it becomes actionable — not overwhelming.

4. Learning to Live in Balance

Balance might be the most important thing I’m pursuing this year.

When I’m out of balance, I feel it everywhere:

• physically (fatigue, low energy)

• emotionally (irritability, impatience)

• mentally (overwhelm, lack of focus)

Without balance, something always suffers and often it’s the most important things:

• our relationship with God

• our health

• our family

For me, these three are foundations and not to be treated as extras.

“Seek first the kingdom of God.” — Matthew 6:33

I don’t want to sacrifice what matters most for the sake of productivity or busyness. Nothing is promised. Health isn’t guaranteed. Time with family isn’t endless. Grace should never be taken for granted.

Balance isn’t about doing everything equally. It’s about protecting the foundations that allow everything else to function.

5. Bringing My Family Into My Goals

This year, I don’t want my goals to live separately from my family.

Sometimes it feels hard to pursue growth while also being present, so instead of choosing one or the other, integration feels like the answer.

I want my children to see:

• discipline

• structure

• planning

• faith in action

For example, one of my goals this year is improving our finances. Instead of hiding that process, I plan to:

• sit with my boys while I write weekly budgets

• talk about saving and stewardship

• show them what responsibility looks like

“Train up a child in the way he should go.” — Proverbs 22:6

2026 is about slowing down, living with order, and allowing God to direct each step.

“The steps of a good woman are ordered by the Lord.” — Psalm 37:23

I don’t want to be a leaf in the wind. I want to move with intention and allow God to take me exactly where I’m meant to go.

This year, I’m choosing faith that’s practiced daily, peace that’s protected intentionally, and a life that reflects purpose.