Episode 7: What Are You Pouring into 2026? Let’s Talk About this Year’s Goals

I’m Renea, a retired educator turned wine bar conversationalist. This is Conversations Over Wine—where wisdom is poured and stories are shared.

Each week, we slow down, pour a glass, and talk about life’s lessons, aging with intention, and what really matters as we grow older. I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s begin.

Ahh… the new year has arrived and with it comes the opportunity to set new goals and work towards making it count. I don’t want to see the year breeze by me, then wake up at the end of December and wonder where the year went. Together, let’s put some dreams, plans, and action steps in place so we can make it a year we won’t forget.

This year is the Year of the Fire Horse which will officially begin on Feb. 17th. The Year of the Fire Horse is an opportunity for creativity, breaking old patterns and habits, and provides the chance to go after your goals with a passion.

This year I want to continue with those goals as I want them to be more about lifestyle changes and not just temporary fixes. I plan to continue my health journey of daily exercise and movement including walking and weight training. I plan to make the majority of my meals be whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, meats, and grains. What goals are you carrying forward into 2026?

But what are some new goals I am working on?

• I am going to set new financial goals for myself. I am currently reading a book my friend Kim gave me for Christmas called, “Smart Women Finish Rich” by David Bach.
• Another goal I have is part of my recent minimal-ish lifestyle and is that I will only buy one new clothing item per month this year. Thrifting is okay, with limits of course.
• I also have started looking at the materials of the clothing before purchasing as I want to buy more sustainable natural materials such as cotton, cashmere, wool, etc. I

What are some new goals you have set for yourself for 2026? What do you want to make a priority because it will make your life even better?

• Do your goals inspire you, are they sustainable and not extreme? I’ve learned that you can’t just think about your goals and say things like “I am going to lose weight” or “I am going to do better with my money”. That is only the beginning.
• You have to be more specific and more intentional. What has worked for me is to pick a few (or even one) write them down in a journal, your notes on your phone, whatever is a good method for you.
• Next, you can make notes about how you are going to be successful with meeting the goal. What exact steps are you going to take?
• Then, make note of anything that could possibly get in the way and how you plan to address it.
• I have also found it helpful to speak my goals to someone. It certainly makes it real and also adds in accountability.
• And don’t forget to pat yourself on the back as you are making progress, and know there will be setbacks,
• Reaching for a goal, or aiming to do and be better is not a perfect science. As the saying goes, “It's a marathon, not a sprint”. Give yourself grace as needed.

Closing Toast

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, please take a few minutes to like, comment, and download my podcast. It would mean so much to me!

Thank you for joining me as we sipped, savored, and reflected on this beautiful life we’ve been given. Until next time, cheers.

Episode 6: Date Yourself Part 2

I’m Renea, a retired educator turned wine bar conversationalist. This is Conversations Over Wine—where wisdom is poured and stories are shared.

Each week, we slow down, pour a glass, and talk about life’s lessons, aging with intention, and what really matters as we grow older. I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s begin.

After recording my last podcast titled: Date Yourself, I realized I had a lot more to say on the topic. As I stated in part 1, this is a topic close to my heart and something I have done often. I have personally seen and experienced the benefits of dating myself and have learned to embrace the solitude of it. Dating yourself allows you to still experience the things you want to do even if no one else is interested, can make it work, or maybe you decide to go alone simply because you want to!

We discussed how it can build confidence, teach you to sit in your own thoughts, and allow to embrace your own opinions and choices without needing to bounce them off another person. It also provides the opportunity to take in a lot more from your surroundings because you are not engaged in conversation with someone.

Dating yourself is very liberating, but does not come with challenges. Let’s get into those today while we sip and savor our wine (or coffee, soda, whatever your pleasure!).

Some of the challenges you might face in dating yourself are:

• Feeling others are judging you
• Feeling lonely
• Finding the time

Don’t forget to dress for the occasion, just as you would if you were on a date with someone else. Train your brain to remember you are just as valuable and worthy of looking your best even while alone!

Closing Toast

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, please take a few minutes to like, comment, and download my podcast. It would mean so much to me!

Thank you for joining me as we sipped, savored, and reflected on this beautiful life we’ve been given. Until next time, cheers.

Episode 5: Date Yourself

Today I want to talk about the beauty of dating oneself. You know, the taking yourself on dates, excursions, trips, classes, etc. because you’ve learned to value and enjoy your own company. Today’s episode is not only for single women, you can date yourself even if you are in a relationship. You SHOULD date yourself even if you are in a relationship! I believe it to be a valuable experience no matter your age or relationship status. Let’s discuss the why, how, when, and where and get into it!

• Why should we date ourselves? I believe we should date ourselves for several reasons. One reason is because it helps us to sit in our own thoughts and embrace our own unbiased opinions and decisions, not those bounced off another. I believe it builds confidence as you learn to navigate places and situations on your own. It takes confidence to sit alone in a restaurant, to travel alone locally, or even to another country I also believe it helps reinforce our own value. That our own company can be enough.

• Let’s move on to the how. How do we date ourselves? What does that look like? I can use some of my own examples, and examples I have seen other friends do. Going out to eat is very pleasurable with those you love, but it can also be enjoyable alone. If there is someone I am dying to visit and I just can’t get it work with others, or I just want to go alone, I can and do! I can sit in that restaurant at a table or the bar, and eat and drink what I want. I can eat at my own pace and take in the surroundings.

• Next up is the when of dating yourself. That’s an easy one! My answer to this is anytime it fits your schedule! Maybe you are dying to try a new restaurant but your significant other is out of town, or maybe just doesn’t have the same interest in the place. There’s a great time to go and venture out on your own.

• Last up, is the where of dating yourself. That is truly wide open, just like dating another person. The world is your oyster. Some of the places I have dated myself have included restaurants, bars, movie theaters, hiking and biking trails, gardens, museums, shops, wine tastings, markets, and even travel.
• So, I would encourage you to date yourself any chance you get. It can benefit you in so many ways, it can take you to new places maybe you wouldn’t otherwise go because you know others aren't interested. If all of this seems a bit scary, take it slowly and start small. It might just be going to the library, bookstore, or coffee shop alone. Then, build up the confidence and you will find yourself ready to date yourself in bigger ways, like a solo trip to Italy!

• I hope this chat today resonates with you in some way and will encourage you to take the first step, or if you’ve already been on the journey, maybe it just gives you a smile of understanding.

I hope you enjoyed our conversation over wine today. I know I did.

Closing Toast

Thank you for joining me as we sipped, savored, and reflected on this beautiful life we’ve been given.If you are enjoying this podcast, please remember to follow, subscribe, and like the videos. I would appreciate all your support as I am getting my podcast on its feet! I also want to share that I now have a YouTube Channel, so please take a moment to follow me on YouTube. You’ll find me under “Conversations Over Wine”. Until next time friends, cheers.