In this episode of The Just Because Diaries, I’m unpacking my family trip to California and looking ahead to the New Year while reflecting on a New Year's Eve of the past in a story I’ve been wanting to tell for a while: how one small, scary decision — booking a trip to Ireland — completely changed the trajectory of my life.

From studying abroad in Europe, to a spontaneous New Year’s Eve in Dublin, to meeting my husband in a crowded pub, this episode is about trusting your gut, believing in a little bit of fate, and pushing the button - even when you’re terrified.

I also share why I’m choosing whimsy over traditional New Year’s resolutions in 2026, how protecting joy and hope can be a quiet form of rebellion, and what it looks like to add more magic, presence, and lightheartedness into everyday life — especially when the world feels heavy.

If you’re an over-thinker, someone standing at the edge of a big decision, or anyone craving a softer, more intentional start to the New Year, this episode is for you.

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