Things feel so stagnant right now that setting goals, intentions, or even choosing a direction feels premature. I’m hoping that over the course of this month, some of the issues keeping me stuck will begin to move toward resolution. In the meantime, I looked back at what I intended to do in 2025—if only to take stock of where things actually landed.
Writing and Reading
I didn’t get anything new published this year, though I did manage some haphazard writing along the way. I did much better with my 2025 reading challenge and have already set new goals for 2026. Reading is free, after all, which makes it one of the few areas where progress doesn’t depend on outside circumstances.
La Yácata
The escrituras opportunity ended up throwing a wrench into several La Yácata projects. An enormous amount of time and energy was redirected toward that process, which meant other plans were pushed back. Phase 2 of the electricity project did get started, but it wasn’t completed. That rolls directly into a 2026 goal: finish at least Phase 2, which would fully cover the three main roads.
The well project didn’t move forward at all in 2025. We do have plans to erect a wall around the pozo area, and we’d like to begin water extraction now that the títulos de agua (water extraction permits) have been paid for. The short-term idea is to use a community water truck for home deliveries until water lines can be installed. However, getting the pump running requires a separate electricity line to the pozo, and that won’t be possible until at least Phase 3 of the electricity project.
Construction
My son’s house wasn’t finished, and now that we’re both living here, completing the floor will be more complicated. That said, there was progress: the window glass was installed, the bathroom was completed (minus a door), fencing was improved on the adjacent garden lot, and some walls were painted. Any further work on his house will have to wait. Right now, there simply aren’t extra funds for construction.
One priority is setting up the solar backup system. My husband disassembled it before ousting us, and every electrical outage costs me money. I bought the inverter last week, so what’s left is a battery and wiring to reconnect the panel. Ideally, that happens in January, but finances remain uncertain.
Self-Care
Last year included a horrific head injury, followed a few months later by a knee injury so severe that it couldn’t bear weight for nearly two weeks. If nothing else, I hope 2026 is accident-free. My exercise equipment is still at the other house, which I currently can’t access. Depending on how the upcoming legal battle unfolds, I’m hoping I’ll at least regain access to, or possession of, those items.
In the meantime, I’ve been focusing on restoring normal cortisol levels, which has helped reduce the swelling in my knees. I’ve also been sleeping better. My mind hasn’t quite accepted that we’re safe yet, so focus remains a challenge. For now, it’s slow and steady.
Conclusion
If there’s a theme here, it’s restraint. I’m not giving up on progress on these aspects of my life, but I’m not forcing movement where there isn’t room yet. For now, caution feels appropriate. Movement can come later.
Surviving Mexico 
