In Slow Motion

Finding Meaning in an Unremarkable, Unplanned Week

Johanna Basford 12-Month 2026 Weekly Coloring Calendar

This past week did not go as expected…

For starters, my daughter and I caught the end-of-the-holidays special, complete with body aches, a cold, and a fever. The deluxe package no one requests. (My poor girl is still fighting the stubborn cough.)

On top of that, I found out a role I’d applied for before Christmas at my current company wasn’t what I thought it would be…and I’d been turned down.

But in 2026, I’m committed to focusing on moments. I quickly decided not to let the drudgery get me down. Instead of spiraling, I did what I tend to do when life misbehaves: I slowed down long enough to notice it. Per usual, learned a few things.

Our sickness provided my daughter and me with some opportunities to slow down. I took some rare chill time and finished a brush-marker masterpiece (pictured), complete with my version of a blue jay, while she watched the OG Wizard of Oz.

You know those times when you’re watching a movie or Netflix show, and the timeline slows waaaaaaay down till it feels like it’s almost standing still? That happened to me this week. Moving 100 miles per hour serves no one…unless you work in fast food.

The moment I found out the team was “moving in a different direction” on the role for which I’d applied, I spent 30 seconds in disappointment, then launched into gratitude. (Yes, I timed it.) That opportunity provided me with some amazing feedback I never would’ve received had I not taken a shot.

Life—and 2026—isn’t going to be what I expect, but that’s the fun of it. This year, I want to experience slow motion while focusing on those moments that truly matter.