Wander: My Vision for the Year Ahead

Written By Catherine Brine

Every year, I choose a word to guide me—not as a rule, but as a compass. Something to return to when motivation dips, when schedules fill up, or when life feels louder than my own voice.

This year, my word is Wander.

Not wander as in aimless or lost, but wander as in curious, intentional, and unhurried. Choosing the long way. Trusting the path. Letting movement, nature, and boundaries shape my days instead of pressure or productivity for productivity’s sake.

My vision board for this year reflects that energy. It isn’t about perfection or rigid timelines—it’s about how I want my life to *feel* and the goals that support that feeling.

My Goals for the Year

Run a 50K

This is the big one—the stretch goal that requires patience, consistency, and trust. Training for a 50K isn’t just about running farther; it’s about learning to stay steady when things get uncomfortable. It mirrors the year I want to have: strong, resilient, and rooted in showing up one step at a time.

Spend More Time Outdoors

I feel most like myself outside. This year, I want more dirt under my shoes, more fresh air in my lungs, and more moments that don’t require Wi-Fi. The goal is simple: be outside often—whether that’s hiking, running trails, sitting by a river, or just stepping outside for a walk.

Camp (and Solo Camp)

Camping represents self-trust for me. Especially solo camping. It’s quiet, grounding, and empowering in a way that’s hard to describe unless you’ve done it. This year, I want to intentionally choose time alone in nature—to reset, reflect, and prove to myself (again) that I’m capable.

Set Boundaries with Work

This is less visible but just as important as the physical goals. I want clear start and stop times. I want to protect my energy and my evenings. Wandering requires space—and boundaries are how I create that space. Rest, time outdoors, and presence don’t happen by accident; they happen by choice.

Read 100 Books

Reading is how I wander without leaving home. One hundred books isn’t about speed—it’s about curiosity. Fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, stories that challenge me and stories that comfort me. I want to learn, escape, and expand my perspective through words.

Walk Daily

Daily walks are my anchor habit. They’re not flashy, but they’re powerful. Walking is movement without pressure, consistency without burnout. It’s time to think, listen, breathe, and just be.

Lose 20 Pounds

This goal isn’t about shrinking myself—it’s about feeling strong, capable, and healthy in my body. It’s a byproduct of moving more, fueling myself well, honoring rest, and choosing habits that support the long game. Just like everything else this year, it’s rooted in patience and self-respect.

Why a Vision Board?

A vision board helps me see the life I’m building. It’s not a wish list—it’s a reminder. When motivation fades or life feels busy, my vision board brings me back to what matters.

Mine includes:

  • Trails and campsites

  • Water

  • Books

  • Thrifting

  • Healthy food

It reflects Wander in both action and feeling.

How to Create a Vision Board (If You’ve Never Made One)

If this is new for you, keep it simple:

1. Choose a word or theme

One word that captures how you want the year to feel. Let it guide everything else.

2. Clarify your goals

Mix tangible goals (like races or habits) with emotional ones (like peace, balance, or confidence).

3. Gather visuals & words

Use magazines, Pinterest, photos, quotes—anything that resonates. Don’t overthink it.

4. Focus on feeling, not just achievement

Ask yourself: How do I want my days to feel?

5. Leave space

White space matters. It leaves room for the unexpected—the magic you can’t plan yet.

6. Put it somewhere you’ll see it

Let it quietly remind you who you’re becoming.

Choosing the Long Way

This year isn’t about rushing. It’s about wandering with purpose. Moving my body, honoring my limits, spending time outdoors, and choosing a life that feels full—not frantic.

I don’t need to have it all figured out.

I just need to keep moving forward.

One step. One mile. One page. One boundary at a time.

Here’s to a year of wandering.

Catherine Brine
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