The Mondayest Monday of the Year

It’s 2026. Back to work, back to reality, and I’m feeling rather anxious. The end of an amazing winter break filled with hours of quality time with friends and family has me feeling grateful for the people in my life, yes, but also reeling for more. For this vacation to never end.

I often hear this winter break referred to as a “reset.”

I hate that.

A reset for what? A reset so that you’re able to go back to work “recharged,” ready to burn yourself right back out again in a matter of months, just in time for summer vacation? Screw that. I won’t let my job have that much power over my life.

My New Year’s resolution is to keep having fun, to maintain the relationships in my life, and to continue being on “winter break” year-round. That doesn’t mean I’m going to quit my day job, but it does mean I must fully acknowledge that, for me, happiness comes from the memories I make with friends and family and from having the time to do things I enjoy.

This year, I refuse to fall victim to being a cog in the machine, living for the weekend and wishing my days away. I will intentionally extend myself across various facets of my life and work to maintain a balance that keeps my cup full. I will do things throughout the week, after work, and refuse to let my job define my days or the plans I make.

My 9 to 5 is one small facet of my life, not the entirety of it.

As I head back to work today after sufficient time off, I’m forced to remind myself that this break doesn’t have to end. My job allows me the ability to afford the things I like and want to experience. For me, it is a means to an end. I’m writing this as a reminder to myself that just because it’s time to go back to work doesn’t mean the rest of my life is suddenly put on pause.

I will begrudgingly set my alarm early again and hit snooze when it inevitably goes off, but I will continue to make plans with friends during the week. I will throw myself into hobbies and trying new things. I will have fun. I will make more memories. I’ll go to the movies. I’ll enjoy my new apartment. I’ll read books. I’ll write and I’ll paint. I’ll do my job well. I’ll find joy in the mundane.

I will live.

P.S. I will return to this when I find myself slipping into old habits ;)