A New Year, A New Theme

Welcome back, everyone! I hope you all had a happy and healthy Christmas and are looking forward to a wonderful New Year’s Eve.

While it isn’t officially 2026 as I write this blog (though it might be by the time you read it), like most of the world, you probably started thinking about your New Year’s resolutions…

Not me!

After I graduated college and moved back in with my parents (not going to say when, because thinking about the year makes me feel really old…), I realized something important: not only could I never remember my resolutions, I didn’t stick to them either.

Instead of resolutions, I give each year a theme. I’ve found it’s much easier to live into a theme—or recognize moments throughout the year that support it—than it is to stick to a rigid resolution.

Here’s a great example. If your resolution is to join a gym, but by February 1st you’ve already stopped going after paying the membership fee and showing up twice, that feels like a failed resolution. But if your theme is to expend more energy, then going to the gym twice still counts—and so does taking the dog for a walk or running around after kids at the beach.

The start of a new year isn’t always the right time for “new year, new me” decisions. Sometimes it’s better to simply put an intention out into the universe and let the year unfold as it will.

My theme for 2025 was Life Changing. I wanted to make meaningful changes—and while I didn’t do something life-changing every single day, I feel confident saying I hit the theme perfectly. Looking back, I left my previous company in March after a collective five years, found a new job I love, colored my hair multiple times, and restarted Program in July. I truly believe I accomplished what I set out to do.

Not all of these life-changing moments were conscious decisions I made at the start of the year.

Program, for example, was not on my to-do list. That changed when I received a note from my mom on July 17, 2025.

It was long and heartfelt, and I’m not going to share all of it—but as a reminder to myself for this coming year, and for anyone who might need an extra push, here is what she wrote to me:

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Dear Victoria Miriam,

I am writing instead of talking for so many reasons. First, I want you to know this is coming from a place of complete love. No one will ever love their child (no matter the age) any more fiercely or completely than a mom with her children. I would do anything to protect you and keep you safe!

I am sharing my thoughts because I love you and want health and joy and happiness for you.

I am truly concerned about your physical and emotional health. I am willing and hopeful that we can work on this together. When you were on Program and doing the Blog, you inspired yourself and so many others. You were a Thin’s In rock star!

I wish you would go back and reread what you wrote, it was hard, but you were a success in spite of the challenge.

You have told me you are interested in a relationship/companionship again and I want that for you too!

However, when you are at the size that you are, it does not attract men of quality. That is why I believe you are attracting jerks/losers.

I would guess that when you did the speed dating night, some of those men would have jumped at another opportunity to spend time with you. But your size becomes an issue. It suggests poor health and a lack of motivation, maybe someone might think you wouldn’t be as active. Or unable to be active.

When you were in a better eating habit, you were glowing inside and out. You were happy and energetic and gorgeous. You are beautiful! But your inner glow is just not there.

I love to be around you when you are “good” and I do recognize that we can’t be “good” all the time. However, when we feel proud of ourselves, we are “good” more than “fine”.

It seems I am using the word “I” maybe too much and I am sorry for that ~ this is hard. Not knowing if you will be receptive or not. It is up to you. If you do not want this or to discuss this, I will work my best to let it go as it is your life to live, and you absolutely do get to choose how you live it.

We have a big vacation coming up together and I want more than anything for you to be able to fully enjoy it; not worry about a weight limit or if you will fit comfortably. I want to do an excursion with you and maybe snorkel or something. I want you to be proud of yourself and how you look. I want to be proud of how you look.

I will stop here. I have more thoughts, but I think my rambling should end. My hope is that you choose to live life in a healthy and full way.

I will love you always.

Your Mamacita

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(2014) (2024) (2025)

This note arrived just as I was about to leave for work. I cried as I read it, got in my car, and drove straight to Thin’s In. My renewed journey began that day—because of this note and because of my mom.

It’s been 24 weeks since I received that letter, and I have worked my ass off—literally.

I was down three pounds at my Christmas Eve weigh-in and down another pound at my New Year’s Eve weigh-in.

So, as we move into 2026, don’t let a resolution that may not last become an excuse not to start Program, join a gym, or make a change you’ve been considering. That impulse might just be your sleep-deprived brain playing tricks on you after staying up past midnight.

Instead, consider giving the year a theme.

Mine for 2026 is simple: Happy & Healthy.

This week’s loss: 4 pounds

Total loss so far: 50 pounds