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December is busy, loud, and full of expectations even when all you want is a breath. In this end-of-year episode, Lauren Bongiorno and Risely’s Director of Coaching, Abby Cooper, slow things down and walk you through a refreshingly grounded way to reflect and set intentions for 2026 without the shame-y “new year, new you” pressure.
They talk about the biggest blocks that keep people stuck (hello, fake action and learned helplessness), why your diabetes frustrations often come from a values conflict, and how to set goals that actually match the season you’re in. You’ll also get practical tools like the Odyssey Plan exercise, the Five Minute Journal, and a simple gut-check that can change how you treat yourself in the new year. If you want 2026 to feel calmer, more aligned, and more possible this one’s for you.
What we cover:
- Why New Year’s goal-setting can feel heavy and how to take the pressure off
- “You don’t learn to swim by reading about water” the trap of fake action
- Parenting with T1D in middle school supporting independence without damaging trust
- Abby’s 2026 intention Kevin’s Rule (six micro-adventures per year) + Lauren’s 2026 themes presence, time, giving back, and nutrition that supports energy and patterns
- Tools for reflection Stanford’s Odyssey Plan and the Five Minute Journal
Key takeaways:
1️⃣ Pick one thing not ten.
Real change doesn’t require intensity. One aligned focus can shift your whole year.
2️⃣ Your diabetes struggles might be a values conflict not a willpower problem.
When what you value (freedom, spontaneity, health, nourishment, peace) clashes with diabetes demands, frustration makes perfect sense. Clarity creates strategy.
3️⃣ Stop trying to swim upstream.
Acceptance isn’t giving up, it’s working with reality so you can actually build momentum and protect your energy, mood, and relationships.
What’s next:
💻 Apply for coaching (1:1 or group) and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve with T1D.
🧠 T1D Strategy Sessions
A one-time, 60-minute session with a Risely coach where you’ll audit what’s working, what’s not, and leave with an actionable plan.
Note: last day to purchase is December 31 (sessions take place in January).
📧 Join thousands of T1Ds reading our newsletter every Tuesday: T1D tips + encouragement, straight to your inbox.
