I’ve never loved New Year goals or resolutions. They’ve always felt forced, like trying to sprint, you hate running. Honestly, my birthday feels more like the start of my year anyway. Instead of resolutions, I choose a word. One word to carry, sit with, wrestle through. This year, it’s a word I’ve already been living with for a while now: Intentional.

I care what people think. There, I said it. If you’ve ever struggled with people-pleasing, approval-seeking, or tying your joy to how others perceive you, you’re not alone. I envy the people who can say what needs to be said and then move on with their lives. No replaying the conversation. No spiraling. No wondering if they were too much or not enough.

If you’ve ever felt the pull to do more, be more, or check one more thing off the list before you let yourself breathe, this is for you. This story explores hurry sickness, the search for real peace, and what happens when God invites you to take a holy pause. Consider this a reminder that stepping back might actually be the bravest step forward.

You know, one of the first signs of burnout I totally ignored? When the easy things, like really easy things, suddenly felt impossibly hard.

I don’t run for fitness. I don’t run for fun. But give me a deadline or a mission I believe in? I’m sprinting, and spoiler alert, that sprinting has sent me straight to burnout. I don’t know why I’m wired this way. Why I equate success with hustle. Why I feel most alive when I’m contributing, moving, fixing, and leading. I have a hard time sitting still. I like results. I like action. And yes, I’ve been called a control freak more times than I can count.

Life isn’t fair, but how you show up makes all the difference. Keep showing up, for yourself, with confidence and purpose.