[BONUS]: I’m Not Waiting Anymore: A Quiet Reflection for 2026
Mon Jan 05 2026
What if you didn’t end the year with a big goal — but with clarity?
In this quiet bonus episode closing out Season 5 of Medium Lady Talks, Erin shares a personal year-in-review reflection inspired by Laura Tremaine’s 10 Questions for the End of the Year. Rather than offering resolutions or strategies, this episode explores what happens when we stop waiting for permission, external validation, or the “right time” to move forward.
Erin reflects on her word for 2026 and what it means to live from inner authority instead of urgency. She unpacks three gentle but powerful realizations from the past year: why rescuing isn’t leadership, why depth matters more than speed, and why self-trust can be more radical than having a plan.
This episode is for anyone ending the year without a bold intention — and feeling oddly okay about it.
If you’re craving permission to slow down, listen inward, and trust yourself before chasing the next strategy, this conversation is for you.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
What Erin chose as her word for 2026 — and what it actually means for her year ahead.
The hidden cost of being the rescuer at work, in family life, and in relationships
Choosing depth and rest without abandoning ambition
Letting go of urgency, perfectionism, and incomplete projects without self-judgment
Why self-trust can be more grounding than goal-setting
A compassionate reframe for listeners who feel unsure about what’s next
Notable Quotes
“I realized I’ve been waiting for something that doesn’t exist — permission, legitimacy, or other people catching up.”
“Rescuing isn’t leadership. Rising up without abandoning myself is.”
“I didn’t end this year with a strategy. I ended it with self-trust — and that feels more radical.”
“You’re not behind. You might just be listening to yourself on a new level.”
Who This Episode Is For
Burnt-out women and millennial mothers navigating ambition and rest
Listeners who feel pressure to set goals but crave something quieter
Anyone tired of hustle culture and performative self-improvement
Leaders, caregivers, and creatives who are ready to stop waiting for permission
Mentioned in This Episode
Laura Tremaine’s 10 Questions for the End of the Year reflection practice
The Summer of Real Rest theme and its lasting impact
The idea of “negotiating the timeline, not the result”
What to Do Next
If something resonated:
Sit with a word that stood out to you
Notice where you’re done rushing or rescuing
Ask yourself where you might trust yourself a little sooner
There’s no homework here — just space.
Connect with Erin
Follow along on Instagram for more reflections, bookish content, and gentle encouragement: @medium.lady
If this episode spoke to you, screenshot it and share it — and tag Erin so you can continue the conversation.
More
What if you didn’t end the year with a big goal — but with clarity? In this quiet bonus episode closing out Season 5 of Medium Lady Talks, Erin shares a personal year-in-review reflection inspired by Laura Tremaine’s 10 Questions for the End of the Year. Rather than offering resolutions or strategies, this episode explores what happens when we stop waiting for permission, external validation, or the “right time” to move forward. Erin reflects on her word for 2026 and what it means to live from inner authority instead of urgency. She unpacks three gentle but powerful realizations from the past year: why rescuing isn’t leadership, why depth matters more than speed, and why self-trust can be more radical than having a plan. This episode is for anyone ending the year without a bold intention — and feeling oddly okay about it. If you’re craving permission to slow down, listen inward, and trust yourself before chasing the next strategy, this conversation is for you. What You’ll Hear in This Episode What Erin chose as her word for 2026 — and what it actually means for her year ahead. The hidden cost of being the rescuer at work, in family life, and in relationships Choosing depth and rest without abandoning ambition Letting go of urgency, perfectionism, and incomplete projects without self-judgment Why self-trust can be more grounding than goal-setting A compassionate reframe for listeners who feel unsure about what’s next Notable Quotes “I realized I’ve been waiting for something that doesn’t exist — permission, legitimacy, or other people catching up.” “Rescuing isn’t leadership. Rising up without abandoning myself is.” “I didn’t end this year with a strategy. I ended it with self-trust — and that feels more radical.” “You’re not behind. You might just be listening to yourself on a new level.” Who This Episode Is For Burnt-out women and millennial mothers navigating ambition and rest Listeners who feel pressure to set goals but crave something quieter Anyone tired of hustle culture and performative self-improvement Leaders, caregivers, and creatives who are ready to stop waiting for permission Mentioned in This Episode Laura Tremaine’s 10 Questions for the End of the Year reflection practice The Summer of Real Rest theme and its lasting impact The idea of “negotiating the timeline, not the result” What to Do Next If something resonated: Sit with a word that stood out to you Notice where you’re done rushing or rescuing Ask yourself where you might trust yourself a little sooner There’s no homework here — just space. Connect with Erin Follow along on Instagram for more reflections, bookish content, and gentle encouragement: @medium.lady If this episode spoke to you, screenshot it and share it — and tag Erin so you can continue the conversation.