For the Woman in Transition: 10 Lines in the Sand for 2026

Last year, myself and a small group of girlfriends, who are also founders and successful business owners, intentionally came together to form a collective. We committed to meet on occasion to encourage one another, share resources and strategy, and grow our businesses side by side. The goal wasn’t comparison or competition, but alignment because building alongside women who think similarly, work with integrity, and don’t gatekeep is top tier. And, I’m truly grateful for them.

During our final call of 2025, we reflected on who we became this year, and how we want to operate in 2026. One question stood out: What are you no longer willing to tolerate?

My answers were immediate.

I was crystal clear about what I was willing to allow and what my "non-negotiables" were. Those anti-resolutions became my lines in the sand. They carried me through 2025 anxiety-free and with clarity, and they’re the boundaries I’m bringing into 2026. I believe they’re not just for me, but for anyone who wants to build a life and business with peace and intention for the new year. 

I hope they help you as well. Here are my 10 lines in the sand to help YOU transition into 2026:

1. I Do Not Become Someone I’m Not

• I do not shape-shift for visibility, sales, or approval.
• I am allowed to be myself and still see results.
• If something requires me to perform, over-explain, or betray my nature, it’s not alignment.

What I used to do: I use to over-explain my decisions and adjust my voice and tone depending on the people in the room. I confused visibility with validation.

But, growth doesn’t require pretending. It requires transformation by adopting new healthier mindsets and patterns. 

2. Pausing Is a Strategy, Not a Setback

• I am allowed to step away, pause, or pivot and still succeed.
• Rest, reflection, and recalibration are part of my process. 
• Momentum does not disappear when I choose wisdom over urgency.

What I used to do: I used to push through exhaustion, afraid that slowing down meant falling behind. I kept going even when my body and spirit were asking for rest.

3. Peace Is the Measure of Alignment

• If a decision costs me my peace, it costs too much.
• Peace is not optional.
• It is my filter in friendships, partnerships, opportunities, timelines, and expectations.

What I used to do: I used to ignore my unease and call it discipline. I stayed in situations that felt heavy because they looked good on paper or made sense logically.

4. My Family Comes First

• My son, my husband, and the life we are building together are non-negotiable.
• Business and work serve our life, and not the other way around.

What I used to do: I used to justify overworking by calling it “building something for the future,” even when it meant being mentally absent in the present.

5. God Is at the Center of My Business

• I seek God in my decisions, not just in moments of uncertainty.
• Faith is not something I add when things get hard, it is how I lead, build, and move forward.

What I used to do: I used to seek God mostly when I felt stuck or uncertain. I relied heavily on my own plans before surrendering to His plans.

6. Connection Over Performance

• I prioritize people, community, and real relationships over metrics and noise.
• Growth that is forced is not sustainable.
• Growth that is relational is lasting.

What I used to do: I used to prioritize numbers, visibility, and output over genuine relationships. I measured success by metrics instead of meaning.

7. Space Is Essential to My Creativity

• I require physical, emotional, and mental space to create and lead well.
• When my space is protected, my best work flows naturally.

What I used to do: I used to fill every moment with noise, tasks, and obligations. I expected creativity to show up without giving it room to breathe.

8. I Help Where I Can Without Self-Abandonment

• Generosity does not require overextension.
• I can support others without sacrificing my well-being, boundaries, or identity.

What I used to do: I used to say yes out of guilt or obligation. I overextended myself and confused generosity with depletion.

9. Harmony Is My Business Model

• I am not built for hustle. I'm built for harmony.
• I do not separate who I am from how I work.
• My business is allowed to coexist with my faith, family, creativity, and community in harmony, not competition.

What I used to do: I used to believe success required constant hustle and sacrifice. I treated rest and balance like rewards instead of necessities.

10. If It’s Not Mine, I Let It Pass

• Opportunities meant for me will meet me in peace and never pass me by.
• I do not chase what requires force, anxiety, or compromise.

What I used to do: I used to chase opportunities out of fear that they wouldn’t come again. I forced alignment instead of trusting timing.

So, as we close one season and look ahead to the next, let's draw these 10 lines in the sand; these anti-resolutions that create peace, alignment and a life that feels harmonious instead of hurried because, we aren't rushing into 2026. We are choosing how we cross into it. 

🌿 Now pause for a moment. Before you move into the next season, ask yourself and God, What am I no longer willing to tolerate?  Write down your own lines in the sand. Keep them visible and keep them as reminders, not resolutions...

What will you no longer negotiate in 2026?

Let me know in the comments.