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The delicate aroma of freshly plucked white tea leaves surrounded me, their soft, curled edges whispering stories of ancient traditions and mystical energies. It was a crisp winter morning when I sat at my cluttered desk, inspiration dancing like steam rising from a fragrant cup of White Peony tea. At this time last year, I set out to have a 'dream big' year. My goal was to create a tarot deck inspired by various types of tea from the Camellia sinensis plant. Each suit—Swords, Wands, Pentacles, and Cups—would unfold as a story told through two central characters: the Divine Feminine and Divine Masculine. I began with Swords, represented by White Tea, and nearly finished. But like life often does, other priorities soon demanded my attention, and the project slipped into the background.

The tarot deck project took a back seat. While I’m not sure if or when I’ll return to it, I’ve come to accept that some dreams can rest quietly until the right season comes along. When I shelved the tarot deck, a mixture of relief and quiet grief washed over me, as if I was both setting down a burden and letting go of a part of myself. Acknowledging this pause allowed me to understand that sometimes, surrendering a dream—even temporarily—can provide the emotional breathing space needed for other parts of our lives to flourish.

The New Year often stirs up eagerness, a push to accomplish what we couldn’t before and a longing for a fresh start. But as I plan for 2026, I find myself literally yawning, a wave of fatigue rolling in instead of excitement. I have to laugh at myself, because this used to be the season when I felt the most ambitious. There was a time when I believed that endless ambition equated to success, and the constant push for more was a sign of strength. Now, I realize that this fatigue is a gentle nudge to reassess that narrative. By acknowledging this shift, I invite you to do the same and question if the stories we tell ourselves about ambition still hold true or need reshaping.

It’s not that I lack eagerness or ambition—I do. But now, my energy is more selective. There’s been a shift in how I approach my dreams and commitments. More than ever, I want to be seen for what I choose to share, not for who I feel obligated to be.

There was a time I wanted to be everything for everyone, pouring myself out in endless ways. While the desire to help others, lead by example, and be a Wayshower is beautiful in theory, it can also be exhausting in practice and ultimately unsustainable. What I have come to realize is that stepping back from trying to be everything to everyone is not about fatigue. It's about courageous leadership in setting boundaries. By modeling this brave boundary-setting, we empower ourselves and inspire others to consider and honor their own boundaries, creating a path for more sustainable coexistence.

With each new cycle—each struggle, triumph, or fresh start—we are changed. Our values evolve, our perspective shifts, and our truth forms into something closer to who we really want to become.

Maybe you feel this too. It’s not about giving up on your ‘big dream’ or shunning the spotlight, but about refusing to sacrifice yourself just to stand in it. Perhaps you’re content at the edge of the stage, close enough to feel the warmth, but remaining emotionally sovereign and refusing to overextend just to meet someone else’s expectations. Sometimes, like a fern that thrives amidst the gentle embrace of dappled light beneath towering trees, our dreams grow best in the shade, quietly nourished by the light’s edge. There is value in recognition without constant performance.

Letting go of the tarot deck, as disappointing as it felt at first, unexpectedly opened space for something deeper: Roar of Rebirth, a guided journal for soulful healing and finding your voice. Through this project, I discovered that fulfillment and visibility aren’t about being in the brightest spotlight, but about sharing what feels true and meaningful in ways that nourish rather than drain me.

Through Roar of Rebirth, I found a new way to contribute, a way that honored my energy and let me be seen on my own terms. And that’s what I hope for you, too: that you will give yourself permission to seek visibility without unwanted exposure, and to contribute your gifts without self-sacrifice. The stage is big enough for all of us to show up authentically, in whatever way feels right. Consider choosing one area of your life this week where you can protect your energy. It could be as simple as saying no to one obligation or setting aside time for yourself each day. A small step can create a ripple of positive change.

You don’t have to give everything to grow something meaningful. Start small, nurture what feels right, and honor your own pace. Give yourself permission to try, to rest, and to redefine what success looks like for you. Sometimes the most profound growth happens quietly, without an audience, and that’s just as valuable. Your voice and gifts matter—whether shared with the world or simply cherished for yourself.

Blessings to you in 2026, and in all you hope to do and be!

With warmth,
Amanda May
Founder & Creator | Tea Phases
Colorado Native | Artisan & Author since 2014