Letting Go, Moving Forward: A 2026 Reset for Ward 7 & Ward 8
As we step into 2026, this is your reminder that you do not have to carry everything from last year with you.
The unfinished goals.
The resolutions that quietly faded by February.
The moments that didn’t go the way you hoped.
Leave them where they belong — in the past.
For Ward 7 and Ward 8 residents, a new year is more than a calendar flip. It’s an opportunity to reset together and recommit to ourselves, our neighbors, and the future of communities east of the river.
Start With Self-Care (Without the Guilt)
Self-care doesn’t have to look like luxury retreats or expensive routines. In 2026, it can be as simple as:
Scheduling that long-overdue checkup
Taking a daily walk through your neighborhood
Saying “no” without explaining yourself
Protecting your mental health as fiercely as your physical health
Caring for yourself is not selfish — it’s necessary. When individuals are healthier, families are stronger and communities thrive.
Recommit to Community
Ward 7 and Ward 8 have always been rich in resilience, creativity, and care for one another. This year, consider small but meaningful ways to deepen those connections:
Shop local and support small, independent businesses
Show up to community meetings, arts events, and neighborhood cleanups
Check in on elders, neighbors, and new residents
Celebrate wins — big and small — happening east of the river
Community care is a form of self-care. When we invest in one another, we build neighborhoods where people feel seen, supported, and safe.
Keep Learning — About Yourself and the World Around You
Continued learning isn’t limited to classrooms. In 2026, learning can mean:
Attending a workshop, artist talk, or community forum
Learning more about local history, advocacy, and civic engagement
Picking up a new skill, hobby, or creative practice
Listening to perspectives different from your own
Growth happens when curiosity leads the way. Every conversation, class, and shared experience adds to the collective wisdom of our community.
A Collective Commitment to Health East of the River
Community advocates and residents play a critical role in the overall health of Ward 7 and Ward 8. That commitment can look like:
Advocating for accessible healthcare, wellness resources, and safe public spaces
Supporting programs that uplift youth, seniors, and families
Creating spaces where art, culture, and healing intersect
Holding systems accountable while continuing to show care for one another
Health isn’t just individual — it’s communal. When we prioritize wellness, equity, and opportunity east of the river, we’re shaping a future where everyone can thrive.
Moving Into 2026 — Together
This year, don’t aim for perfection. Aim for presence.
Don’t focus on what didn’t work — focus on what’s still possible.
Ward 7 and Ward 8 have always moved forward through collective strength. In 2026, let’s release what no longer serves us and step into a year grounded in self-care, community care, and lifelong learning — together.