January 10 on the 10th: Ten Things I Won’t Be Doing in 2026

Hey, y’all, hey! It’s time for our first 10 on the 10th of 2026! And I’m not gonna lie, this has already been a long year and we’re only ten days in. That being said, I do have some fun things to look forward to this year: a work conference, two personal photography projects, and a few other things. Do you have anything you’re looking forward to accomplishing this year?

THE PROMPT: 10 Things I won’t be doing in 2026

I’ve never been much of a resolutions kind of person because I’ve usually tapped out by third or fourth day of the month and whispering to myself: “We’ll start this again on Sunday. It’ll be a new week.” Although, last year I created a Vision Board Bingo Card and did really well with accomplishing my goals. I just forgot to come back and mark off my accomplishments. In fact, it wasn’t until I wrote my final Where Bloggers Live post that I realized that I’d accomplished so much. Maybe I should do it again? Put the things on the board that I didn’t quite finish? But, before I get to that, lemme answer Marsha’s anti-resolution question and share 10 things I won’t be doing this year…

1. Making promises to myself that I won’t keep. I used to be a runner, 3 miles every day. Then we moved to Louisiana and I ran one time and was like nope. How I did that every day when I was stationed here is beyond me. Oh, yeah, I was in the Army and didn’t have a choice. Anyway, I know I’m not getting out there in that humidity and running. However, I will get in 30 minutes of exercise at least three times a week.
2. Reaching out to people who don’t reciprocate. I understand that people get busy and people are going through things, especially now. That being said, there are people who’ve been in my life for years who’ve never been the first to reach out and see how I’m doing. I put notes in my calendar for birthdays, surgeries, dates I think of are importance to them, and I don’t get the same. This is the year that I accept my place in people’s lives. It doesn’t mean I hate them or anything, it just means that I’ll say a prayer for them when they cross my mind and keep it moving.
3. Saying “no” to things because I’m afraid to fail. Last year was a year of creative, professional, and personal growth. In fact, I haven’t felt so secure in my abilities since I graduated from Basic Training in 1992. I know I can do the hard things, so I’m going to continue to accept challenges and move outside my comfort zone.
4. Winning the lottery. You have to play to win. However, if I did win, I know exactly what I’d do:
   – Pay off my kids’ student loans
   – Give money to our local food bank, women’s shelter, and veterans’ home
   – Pay the medical bills for a family in need
5. Reading books that I have absolutely no interest in. There’s one book in particular that I tried to read at least 6 times last year because my reading friends kept saying it’s an absolute must-read… Yeah, no. I understand the importance of the book to African American literature but I’m just not interested.
6. Saving clothes for special occasions. Every day that we’re above ground is a special occasion, so I’m going to wear my sequin top and my tulle skirt. My sparkly earrings will be making an appearance during a normal work day. My fun socks are going to be paired with my Mary Janes.
7. Chemically straightening my hair. Every few years I go through this phase of growing or cutting out chemical straighteners and wearing my natural hair, then I go right back to the chemicals. I’m finally over it all and am ready to fully embrace my natural hair. I love the grays that are coming in and the wavy/curly/coily bits are just so free and natural; I want to see it all now.
8. Ignoring my personal photography projects. I take a lot of photos for work but very few for my own personal growth, that changes this year. I want to pick up my camera more and shoot things that interest me. If you’d like to follow along, you can check out my images on Instagram.
9. Walking away from an item that catches my attention. You know how they say you only regret the purchase you didn’t make? There’ve been so many things that I’ve left on the shelves because I wasn’t sure how it’d fit in my house. Bump that. If I like it and it won’t throw off my budget, it’s coming home with me and I’ll figure it out later. I’m not talking about over consumption, I’m talking about those pieces that I find in second hand or vintage stores that call to me — the ones I pick up, put down, walk away from, return to, and leave without.
10. Moving. Every few months, The Hubs asks if I’m ready to move. I’m not. I absolutely love it here. My job, our home, our community. I couldn’t ask for more.

ABOUT 10 ON THE 10TH

10 on the 10th is hosted by Marsha at Marsha in the Middle. In the tradition of old school blogging, she’ll share a list of ten questions or prompts to help us get to know each other better. The linkup goes live on the tenth of the month.

BOOKISH THINGS

Bookshop.org – Shop for books selected by me, for you!

NetGalley Professional Reader – I receive free ARCs from NetGalley to review on my blog and share on Instagram.

The StoryGraph – A reading app that shares all the nerdy details of my bookish life.

IT’S YOUR TURN

What’s something you’re not doing in 2026? Leave a comment below.

THANK YOU

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AFFILIATE INFORMATION

As the blogger and photographer behind Living Outside the Stacks, I independently select and write about stuff I love and things I think you’ll enjoy too. Living Outside the Stacks has affiliate and advertising partnerships so I get revenue from sharing this content and from your purchase. Thank you for your support.

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