January 2026 in Review

Posted on by Astrid

Hi everyone on this last day of the month. I’m joining Natalie for her monthly wrap-up. I started the month with optimism, but as I write this post at nearly 10PM on the 31st, I’m struggling to remain hopeful that anything will ever get better. And is it is, life is a battle.

I fully intended to experience more in the creative and culinary departments in 2026. This was not a total failure in January, but I didn’t start off the year with the bang I’d secretly hoped for.

I did create a few things out of polymer clay this past month. I also crafted a few new bracelets and a necklace. My last crafty project, however, was over a week ago. I created a crocodile out of polymer clay. No picture, as I haven’t even baked it yet. I did make plans with one of my staff to finally create the standing unicorn sculpture I have been meaning to create forever. Let’s hope it doesn’t just remain a plan.

I also didn’t cook a main dish even once. That’s sad, but on the other hand, I did manage to bake a few things. Most recently, yesterday, I baked granola. I ate it this morning with my quark and it was delicious!

In the blogging and general writing departments, the beginning of the month was also a lot more successful than the last couple of weeks. I once again gave up on #JusJoJan pretty early on and only managed to do my Morning Pages for a few days. I do however still have a streak going on in Day One, my preferred journaling app. Granted, I only write some snippets in response to a daily template, but oh well. I still like the Gratitude app, but don’t use it as faithfully as I’d intended. Then again, I realize that pressuring myself to write everyday, isn’t helping my joy.

In other news, none of my staff nor me have heard from the Center for Consultation and Expertise (CCE) yet. On top of that, the behavior specialist went on maternity leave a few weeks ago. She has someone subbing for her, but I doubt this has been communicated clearly to the CCE. Even if it has been, I sort of believe the consultant gave up on me when she got the impression my quality of life is okay.

I realize my support coordinator and assigned staff are well-meaning and really want to help me improve, but I get the impression part of the team doesn’t believe that I deserve or need anything to change. I’m still haunted by the words of my intensive support home assigned staff. She believed that, because of my attitude, there was no way I would ever be happy anywhere. This might be partly true, though it’s not because of my attitude but because living in a neurotypical world as an autistic person is hard. However, just because I’ll never be perfectly happy, doesn’t mean no-one should try to improve my situation. Then again, maybe I’m just one giant nagger of a person.

11 thoughts on “January 2026 in Review”

  4. Astrid, so many positives in your month. I started with morning pages but then they tend to drop off. I like the sound of your journaling app and congrats on the homemade granola. Good luck with the medical help and it shouldn’t ever need to be a battle.

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    1. Thank you so much. The Day One app is truly the best journaling app out there and I’ve tried many. As you might’ve noticed if you’ve come across the daily prompts here on WP, Day One is an Automattic app too (though I’ve used it from before Automattic acquired it) and unlike WordPress/Jetpack itself, its improvements are actual improvements. I also love the Gratitude app. It has journaling prompts, but also affirmations and daily reflections.

      Thanks so much for reminding me of the positives I shared in this post too.

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  5. I have heard a few people talk about making their own granola… is it hard to do? I am sure it gives you many options for different flavor choices.

    I am sorry you are still struggling with your care. Maybe when the maternity leave is over your regular behavior specialist will be able to work better with you. I keep hoping for you to get in a place where your care is no longer in question. That has to be just so frustrating.

    Now I hope February is a bit more kind to you. Have a great month!

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    1. Thanks so much. Making your own granola isn’t hard at all. Basically you just mix all ingredients, then bake for 15-20 minutes, giving the mixture another stir halfway through. Re my care, I really do hope things improve, but the behavior specialist won’t be back from leave until June and of course by then nothing will happen because it’s the summer with everyone being on vacation etc.

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