Hi Friend!

Happy New Year! Whether you're sad to see 2025 go, or relieved that it's over, I hope that 2026 holds beautiful moments for you.

Sometimes it's hard to be upbeat about the possibilities of a new year because you find yourself in the middle of difficult circumstances. In all honesty, that's where I find myself currently. I've adapted a reading from one of my books that I hope will encourage you in the midst of whatever challenges you face this year.

I'm also including a free bookmark download in this newsletter and a book pick for these indoor days. The download is perfect for tracking your 2026 reading goals or just keeping a list of your very favorite books.

Searching for Beauty: Lessons Learned from Visiting the Anne Frank House

When we were stationed in Germany, we took the opportunity to visit Amsterdam in nearby Holland and visit the Anne Frank house. The tour was somber and the visitors hushed as we climbed the steep, narrow stairs to the hiding place where the Frank family, Jewish citizens in danger of being sent to the concentration camps, had hidden during World War II.

If you don’t know their story, their family–along with others–spent several years in a cramped apartment above their family business and managed to hide from the Gestapo through the help of several trusted friends who provided them with supplies. I’ve always been intrigued by their story and loved her book as a teen, reading it several times. Now, seeing it in person, I walked the small rooms and imagined attempting to keep children quiet while the workers went about their business below, and how stifling the boredom and isolation must have been at times.

In Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, Anne noted how the family did their best at keeping up with their reading and studies, even doing calisthenics to maintain strength. During our tour of the house, it all came to life. I was able to maintain my composure until I came upon some pencil markings on the wall, now preserved behind glass.

It suddenly struck me that what I was viewing decades later was oh-so-familiar to anyone who’s raised children.

There, Anne’s father, Otto Frank, had taken time to line up his children every so often as parents do to measure their heights. Each careful marking included a date and the initials of that particular child.

I could just hear a childish voice ask, “How much did I grow, Papa?” I was no longer able to contain the tears as I witnessed this semblance of family life in the midst of the chaos and evil that had literally turned their lives upside down. And I think sometimes since that moment…if the Franks could make that sort of an attempt, who am I to ever complain?

This is not to say that we can never admit when we’re in the midst of a challenging situation. Not at all. The lesson for me, however, is to always look for a way through a tough time, even when it’s not readily apparent.

A few things I've learned about pushing on during hard times...

Find one thing that's normal and focus on that.

If you've recently moved to a brand new area, then cook a favorite family dinner, or hang a familiar piece of art right away. If you're in the middle of searching for a job, then keep up with your regular morning routine. If you're navigating a complicated family situation, take 15 minutes in the evening to curl up with a book. No matter how small a thing it seems, a little island of normalcy in your day will give you a break from the stress.

Do the next thing.

At times, life can be overwhelming with the enormity of whatever you're facing: a career change, caring for aging parents, a cross-country move, or challenging stage of parenting. Do the next thing. Don't survey the entire problem, situation, or scenario at once. Answer one email. Run one errand. Schedule one doctor's appointment. Fold one load of laundry. Just do the next thing. The rest will follow.

Live today.

Don't allow the worry over what's to come ruin your time with your loved ones today. It's unsettling when you're in the midst of change, or not sure how things will turn out in a difficult situation. Don't let anxiety over the hard things ahead paralyze you from living completely today. Take time to be fully present with the ones you love. You can always problem solve later!

Adapted from my book, You Are Not Alone.

Milspouse Matters

You Are Not Alone

Free Reading Tracker Bookmarks Download

Whether you've set specific reading goals for this year, or just want a fun way to keep track of the books you read, this free download is for you!

If you decide to add a bit of color to your bookmarks, I'd love it if you'd share a photo. You can tag me on Instagram @jenmcdonald88 if you post it there!

Free Bookmarks Download

Cozy Mystery Book Rec

Jonathan Whitelaw's The Bingo Hall Detectives is a hilarious cozy mystery! Jason (currently a jobless journalist) and Anita (his mother-in-law) are trying to solve what she's convinced was the murder of one of the local bingo club members. It's the perfect read to curl up with on a cold January evening.

Order The Bingo Hall Detectives

What are your reading plans for 2026?

I’ve set a reading goal and have a list of books I’m going to read this year.

My TBR stack is a bit overwhelming. My only plan is to put a dent in it this year.

I’m definitely a mood reader, so I’m planning to go with the flow and read whatever looks interesting.

I don’t have a set goal or reading list, but there’s a specific genre that I’d like to explore this year.

Whether or not January brings cold and snow in your region, make time to curl up with a cozy book and a hot (or iced) beverage.

See you next time!

Blessings,