by Meredith Siegel Cohen, Creator, Single and Striking Out
My beautiful and witty daughter Lily introduced me to this trend, and we decided to make it a mother-daughter project—equal parts aspiration, accountability, and gentle roasting. So here it is:
INS
Love
Sincerity
Smiling (it costs nothing, gives much, and sometimes confuses people)
Confidence
Fearlessness
Dating with intention (not vibes, not potential, not “we’ll see”)
Looking good to feel good (even when you don’t want to—momentum is real)
Getting toned (my daughter’s goal… but honestly, fine, mine too)
Healthy food (that actually tastes good, because we’ve suffered enough)
At-home barista coffee (Lil strikes again—apparently I’ve been doing it wrong)
Speaking up (earlier, louder, without apologizing)
Trying new things (crafts, classes, sporty stuff (still undecided), culinary talents, card games)
Hydration (coffee still doesn’t count, which feels personal)
ELF Beauty
Walking (for health, sanity, and avoiding awkward conversations)
“Yes, I can!”
Travel
Generosity
Follow-through (if you know, you really know)
OUTS
Hate. Period.
Avoidance (except for walking away from awkward conversations)
Self-pity
Overthinking (retiring from my unpaid analyst position)
Stress eating, stress drinking, stress shopping, stress scrolling… I’m tired just reading this
Treating boredom like a problem (we’re calling it “mind exploration” now)
Slouching
Skinny jeans (I want to look skinny, not be punished)
Procrastination
Men-Specific Outs (Respectfully, But Firmly):
Rearview mirrors (except on cars- on cars they are good)
Nightmares (anxiety sucks)
Rude behavior
Insensitivity
The most important “IN” for this new year is ourselves—wholly, imperfect, and worthy exactly as we are. Solo doesn’t mean closed off. It means grounded, open, and no longer available for nonsense.
Please share your Ins and Outs for 2026 – what else belongs on this list?
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This is so inspiring, Meredith. Love what’s on your lists!
Love what’s on your lists! Fabulous and inspiring. Here’s to a great 2026!
Thank you Stacey! Wishing you a wonderful 2026 too!
Great article and love the pic of you and Lily! Cheers to a happy and healthy 2026!
Thank you Tracey! Yes, cheers to all good things in 2026!!
Beautiful pic! I love this! My word of this “time period” of our age is intention. Time is a precious commodity and to be given only to those YOU choose! And you can be as choosy as you like!❤️
Lori, so glad you enjoyed this post! I could not agree more. Our time is precious, a lesson we definitely learn with age. Happy, healthy New Year! Hope 2026 affords you many precious “times” with those you choose.
I really love this piece, Meredith – and am in to try some new things (still undecided on sporty as well)! Wishing you a very happy, healthy and fulfilling New Year. ❤️
Thank you Cheryl! Wishing you a happy, healthy and fulfilling year as well!!