by Dana Rubin‑Winkelman, MSW, CAPSW, Social Worker, Adult Day Services
I hope you and your family are well. I’m sending my warmest wishes for a happy, healthy, and joyful secular New Year! As a Jewish woman, I often use the High Holidays to turn inward and work on becoming a better person. Still, the secular New Year holds its own value—offering a chance to pause, reset, and reflect.
Life is a journey, full of both joyful and challenging days. Our task is to envision the life we want and to nurture what makes our neshama—our soul—truly sparkle. This edition of Touch Points is designed to help you get started. Through reflective questions, we’ll look back on the past year, assess where we stand, and then look forward to inspiring a fresh, better you in 2026.
Let’s fill this year with light, positive energy, and hopeful expectations. Hello 2026—we can’t wait to see what’s in store!
“Dear Self. This is going to be your year. So, dust yourself off and get started. Love, me.” (blogspot.com)
Building On What Was, Growing Into What’s Next
1. Reflecting on the Year Behind Us: Before moving forward, let’s pause and reflect on the year that has passed. While we can’t change the past, we can learn from it and carry those lessons with us. Looking back helps us remember meaningful moments, reset our perspective, and prepare for the year ahead. Use the prompts below to thoughtfully review and reflect on your year.
- What are three adjectives that describe 2025? Welcome any words and feelings that surface. Your year does not have to be “perfect” to be meaningful.
- What is your biggest lesson learned in 2025? Think about what your experience imparted. We can learn lessons from positive experiences or mistakes. Remember, slipups have the potential to make us stronger. In fact, sometimes, the hardest days contain the biggest lessons.
- What is the kindest thing you did last year? Recall the experience in your mind’s eye and savor the goodness you exhibited.
- What are the things you are grateful for in 2025? Gratitude is one of my favorite topics! In fact, I believe gratitude is like a wonder drug! For example, having an attitude of gratitude boosts overall mood and creates a sense of well-being. So, list the things you are grateful for in 2025, and fill your mind and heart with love. Ponder topics like your health, your family, events, positive people in your life, or maybe just an everyday occurrence. Enjoy the feeling when you acknowledge the good things in life.
2. Turning Intentions into Growth: A new year invites us to pause, reflect, and begin again with purpose. As you look ahead to 2026, consider how you want this next chapter to unfold. What dreams do you want to nurture? What lessons from the past year can guide you forward? Take time with the reflective questions below to thoughtfully shape a year rooted in growth, balance, and intention.
- Choose a word for this year and explain why: Selecting a word allows you to live with intention and to focus your energy on what is important. This can be a powerful tool to live with purpose. In fact, some people set daily intentions; they serve as an everyday roadmap.
- This year, I want to learn this new skill: Is there something you have always wondered about or wanted to learn? It is never too late to learn something new! Did you know that learning a new skill is good for your brain and stimulates neurons to form neural pathways? This allows the electrical impulses (in your brain) to travel faster. Pick one skill that you want to cultivate.
- This year, I will break this habit: By the way, your habit does not have to be big or terrible. Me? Well, I stay up too late. So, this year, I am setting a goal to get additional sleep. I am sure this choice will help me feel healthier and more productive. What are you going to do?
- How can I work toward Tikkun Olam– repairing the world? By making our world more peaceful, just, and compassionate through acts of charity, kindness, and social action. Perhaps you have a talent or skill you can share with friends, family, neighbors, or your wider community. Let 2026 be the year to help others and perform meaningful deeds. How will you share your light and help mend our world?
“It’s not about being the best. It’s about being better than you were yesterday.” (Lauren Gleisberg)
3. Create a “Remember This” Jar: Kick off January with an empty jar and a simple intention: capture the good. Throughout the year, jot down happy moments—big or small—and drop them into the jar. On December 31, 2026, open it up and relive the moments that made your year special. You might include goals you achieved, the beauty you noticed in nature, surprise gifts, memories worth saving, laugh-out-loud moments, or everyday blessings that brought a smile to your face.
“Gratitude helps you fall in love with the life you already have.” (-Kristen Hewitt)
4. Moving Forward Together: Starting 2026 with Art: Discover inspiring art and meet the artists at the Ovation Winter Art Walk & Artist Reception on Sunday, January 25th, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Enjoy artist talks beginning at 1:00, followed by gallery visits featuring textiles, photography, painting, and ceramic sculpture. Savor complimentary bites and beverages while connecting with fellow art lovers in a welcoming setting. Free and open to the public with free underground parking at 1414 N. Prospect Ave—don’t miss this joyful afternoon of creativity and community! For more information, click here.
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” (Pablo Picasso)
5. Begin the Year on a Positive Note: Music is a powerful way to support brain health, improving memory, focus, and emotional balance. Listening to or making music can reduce stress, lift mood, and promote a sense of calm—especially helpful as we begin a new year. Starting the year with music is a simple, joyful step toward mental wellness and resilience. Enjoy this thoughtful selection of music as you welcome 2026 with optimism, reflection, and fresh beginnings.
- “This Will Be Our Year” by The Zombies- A hopeful anthem for fresh starts and looking forward to good things ahead. Click here for the cool 2-minute lyric video.
- “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)” by Doris Day– A cheerful reminder to embrace the future with calm and optimism. Click here for the 2-minute audio.
- “Turn! Turn! Turn!” by The Byrds on the Ed Sullivan Show (1965)- A timeless reminder that change is natural and every moment has its place. Click here for the 3+-minute video.
- “It Was a Very Good Year” by Frank Sinatra- Reflect on the past with gratitude and celebrate the richness of life’s seasons. Click here for the 4+-minute video with lyrics.
6. Standing Together Against Hate: In recent times, there has been a rise in negativity toward Israel and Jewish people, making it more important than ever to lead with compassion and solidarity. Actor David Schwimmer reminds us, “You don’t have to say anything political… Just say that you stand with your Jewish friends, colleagues, and neighbors against hatred and discrimination.”
Speaking out—through words, actions, or quiet reflection—helps create a culture of understanding and support. As part of this intention, I invite you to hold Israel and the Jewish community in your thoughts and prayers. You may wish to reflect with Avinu Shebashamayim – A Prayer for the Welfare of the State of Israel by The Maccabeats, a meaningful reminder of hope, unity, and peace.
“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
I hope this edition of Touch Points inspires you to reflect on the past year and make room for all that’s ahead. Step into the New Year with hope, creativity, passion, kindness, and joy—and may 2026 be your very best year yet!
Have a question about aging, memory changes, community resources, or caregiving? I’m here to help! Please do not hesitate to contact me—I’d be happy to assist.
Thinking of you and sending you positive energy, light, and love,
Dana
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