NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER
The Empowering New Me In The New Year by JOHNNY TAN
Happy 2026, Everyone! I hope you are as excited as I am about this new year, as we refresh our hearts, minds, bodies, and spirits, empowering ourselves to accomplish all our goals and desires over the next 12 months! It is in moments like this that I am so thankful to have been blessed with 9 Moms over the years who were my teachers, coaches, counselors, and cheerleaders. Each one of them somehow manages to sprinkle words of wisdom and encouragement, signing off with a smile every year.
One of the sweetest, most treasured memories I have of my Cajun mom, Ginger, a honeybee keeper by day and a ballroom dancer by night, is that she is the most optimistic person I have ever known. Her bubbly personality always draws praise from everyone she meets. She believes humor is essential in our daily lives because it brings balance and a sense of humility when confronting challenging situations or demanding people. According to Ginger,“ With humor, we can always look and find the lighter side of things to be positive, regardless of whatever we encounter.” She
4 | Inspirations for Better Living • January 2026 always begins every moment of consoling advice with her signature phrase,“ And the Good News is …” followed by the biggest smile of confidence! Somehow, Ginger sees the silver linings in all the arduous experiences I ' ve shared with her.
Another insightful and empowering piece of advice for preparing for a fresh start each year comes from my Texan Earthly mom, Dee. She said that although we all have to-do lists, we are constantly preoccupied with the past and the future, and spend very little time in the present! According to Dee, as harsh as it may sound, personal growth can’ t happen without destructive energy, or what she coined as lessons learned and experiences gained. When we shift our mindset to focus on the present and its possibilities and opportunities, rather than reminiscing or dreaming about the future, creativity arises!
Whether you have a vision board, are reading a bestselling self-help book, or attending a transformational workshop, there are ultimately three Elemental Powers for Success: