2026: The Year I Stop Hustling for Everyone Else and Start Building My Own Damn Life

Let’s just get this out of the way right now:

I’m exhausted, but not unmotivated.

Burnout, but not broken.

Ambitious, but officially over pretending that corporate life is my forever plan.

I’ve spent years being reliable, hardworking, and working on other pepole’s goals. That’s cute… but also not the dream. Somewhere between calendar invites, performance metrics, and hustling way too hard for goals that aren’t even mine, I realized something; I don’t want to “work for the man” anymore. At least not forever. And definitely not without an exit plan.

So welcome 2026. The year I stop quietly wishing for more and start intentionally building it.

The Corporate Burnout Nobody Warns You About

Here’s the thing about burnout, it doesn’t always show up as hating your job.

Sometimes it looks like:

• Doing will on paper but feeling completely unfulfilled

• Listening to self-help audiobooks on your commute like it’s a personality trait

• Daydreaming about what if way more than you should

• Knowing you’re capable of more… and being annoyed that you haven’t figured out how to get there yet

What I Actually Want (No Corporate Buzzwords Included)

I am not trying to escape work, I’m trying to escape working endlessly with no control.

What I want is:

• Financial freedom

• My own schedule

• My own rules

• Multiple income streams that don’t require me burning out 24/7

• A life that leaves room for joy, health, relationships and sleep

Wild concept, i know.

What I’m Building (The 30-Second Overview)

I run a few businesses and they all revolve around creativity, experiences, and building something of my own.

• Reels and Runways is where travel storytelling, and real-life growth intersect. It’s evolving into.a platform that documents experiences and the journey of building a more intentional life

• Sierra Sips is a growing events business that’s teaching me how to scale, delegate, and build systems, not just do it all myself and burnout.

Different lanes, same goal: Freedom, flexibility, and a life that isn’t dictated by a corporate calendar.

That’s all you need to know for now.

Success Without Burning Everything Down

Here’s the part people don’t talk about enough. I dont want success if it costs me my health, my relationships, or my peace.

I want:

• An hour a day minimum to move my body

• Time to be present with my boyfriend, friends, and family

• Space to think, rest, and enjoy life.

• Ambition and calm, not one at the expense of the other

I’m not trying to grind forever. I’m trying to build something sustainable.

What This Space is Becoming

Reels and Runways is still about travel, experiences and cool places.

It’s also becoming a space for:

• Honest conversations about burnout and growth

• Documenting the messy middle of building a life you actually want

• Sharing wins, lessons, and “well… that didn’t work” moments

• Creating a community for women who know they’re meant for more

Not motivational fluff. Not toxic positivity. Just real life, in progress.

My 2026 Commitment

In 2026, I’m committing to:

• Showing up consistently

• Choosing alignment over autopilot

• Betting on myself, even when it’s uncomfortable

• Building intentionally instead of just staying busy

I don’t have everything figured out, but I do know one thing.

I’m done hustling endlessly for other people’s dreams while mine sit on the back burner.

If This Resonates…

You’re probably in a similar place. Not miserable. Not content. Just ready for more. So consider this an open invitation. I’m building this life in real time, and I’m documenting it all here.

Messy. Honest. Intentional.

Welcome to the next chapter.