Checkup on 2026.

My Dearest Companion,

I take up my quill this evening to inform you of a calamity most grievous that hath befallen our humble abode. The WiFi, that noble and invisible ether which bindeth our household to the wider world hath abandoned us. Should this separation prove permanent, pray tell the outside world that we bravely forced ourselves to talk to one another . . . oh, wait, it’s buffering . . .

Well, this would be a great excuse for being late with this new year's blog post. Actually, WiFi issues are not unheard of here in the forest where we live.

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As 2025 came to an end, we sat down for a "planning retreat" in our sweet little cabin in the forest. A new year coming is always a great time to take stock, determine what's working, what's not working as well as we'd like, and look at the coming year. Out of this came our #2026wordoftheyear: SLOW. Or was it REAL? Maybe AUTHENTIC. Nope, it was ANALOG. That's it.

Analog

[an-l-awg, -og]

Analog is the opposite of digital. Any technology, such as vinyl records or clocks with hands and faces, that doesn't break everything down into binary code to work is analog. Analog, you might say, is strictly old school.

Friend, what incredible peace came with this word. Peace that made several decisions easy. We turned off our social media presence for Honey the MoonLander, leaving only this blog website. We increased letter and card writing -- giving more business to the U.S. Postal Service. There's less time online and more time on the trails. Yes, also listening to vinyl records by lamp light in the cabin. And time for three major MoonLander trips in 2026.

Even better, increased attention to authentic friendships, Bible study, and making our marriage the best it can be. Really, just intentional living.

This was our year-end post on the socials. We'd love to know if any of this resonates with you.

p.s. in case you're wondering no AI was used in writing this post -- actually no AI ever.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/222ce2_8540dcc098bd430cae0d6f6cf6b04458/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Aging as Authority, Not decline

1 Time has given us depth and discernment.

2 Our age is an asset.

3 We are accumulating wisdom, not losing value.

Softness Without Weakness

 4 We are gentle and unwavering.

 5 Our softness is intentional.

 6 We can be kind and decisive.

The End of Hustle

7 Rest is a part of our strength.

 8 We work in ways that sustain us.

 9 Burnout is not success.

 Integrity as the New Status Symbol

 10 We live in alignment with our values.

 11 We do what we say we will do.

 12 Our character speaks for us.

Being Seen By the Right People

 13 We choose depth over attention.

 14 We are known where it matters.

 15 We belong without performing.

Our Worth is From God

 16 Our lives require no justification.

 17 Our worth is inherent, not earned.

 18 We don't have to live life by others' expectations.

Choosing Depth Over Chaos

 19 We choose calm on purpose.

 20 Less noise gives us more life.

 21 We do not rush what matters.

Living in a Digital World

 22 We choose a human pace in an online world.

 23 We choose reality over representation.

 24 We decide what deserves our attention.

Leaving Good Behind - Moving Into Better

 25 We are allowed to evolve without explanation.

 26 We define success on our own terms.