Embracing The Fire Horse Year
Hey Girl Gang listeners! Get ready for the year of the Fire Horse because the Chinese Lunar New Year is coming up and the Fire Horse year will begin on February 17, 2026.
If 2025 was about the "quiet work"—the private grief, the slow strategy, and shedding the versions of ourselves that didn’t fit anymore—then 2026 is where we turn up the volume. We’ve always loved how the Lunar New Year gives a bit of shape to our resolutions. This year, we’re entering the Year of the Fire Horse, and the energy shift feels palpable. If the Snake was about subtle moves, the Horse is about action, travel, and being seen. It’s exciting, but let’s be real: fire and speed can lead to burnout if you don’t have a steady hand on the reins. Haven’t listened yet? Check it out now!
Finding Balance as "Water Monkeys"
As a pair of Water Monkeys, we’re looking at this year through a pretty specific lens. We tend to be quick-witted and adaptable (classic Monkey traits), but the "Water" in us craves reflection and empathy.
There’s a natural tension here: the Fire Horse wants us to make snap decisions and run full speed, while our Water side wants to pause and think. Our goal for the year? Cool the flames without dousing them. We’re planning "sprints" followed by real recovery time, and using a lot of humor to keep the friction low when things get hectic.
Our "Big Moves" for the Year
We aren't just thinking about this energy; we’re putting it into practice with two big creative bets:
The Book: I’m diving into the world of hybrid publishing. It’s a massive undertaking—beta reads, endless drafts, and a target release for August. It’s a "Fire Horse" move: high visibility and total ownership.
The Platform: Brandi is planning to start a BookTok. From ARC culture to the economics of beautiful editions, it’s about merging craft with community.
The challenge for both of us is energy management. We want to chase the reach, but we have to protect the focus.
Grounding the Momentum
To keep from "overheating," we’re getting literal with the Horse theme. We’re focusing on physical movement—return-to-run programs and maybe even a sprint triathlon—but we’re keeping it grounded. Momentum only works if it’s sustainable and kind to our joints. Although, I did randomly run a 5k already this year so need to ensure I don’t overheat.
We’re also working on our "growth edges," specifically, communication. We’ve realized that internal stewing usually leads to a "sting" later on. This year, the mantra is "Clear is Kind." We’re spotting the tension early, scheduling the hard talks when we actually have the energy for them, and using weekly resets to clear the mental clutter.
The Bottom Line
If 2025 asked us to let go, 2026 is asking us to show up. Our plan is simple (though not exactly easy):
Pick one visible project.
Pick one movement goal.
Pick one relationship practice.
Here’s to being brave without being brittle. Let’s see where this year takes us.
What are you plans for this year? What movement will you be making? Let us know by sending us a text!
So until next time - stay bold, stay empowered…
Rachael & the Girl Gang
