Connections are the threads that weave life together—relationships with our children, students, partners, colleagues, friends, and even ourselves. And just like habits, not all connections deserve to continue in the same form.

Here’s the truth: some relationships can energize us, and others can quietly drain us.

There are things we carry into the new year not because they help us grow, but because they’ve become familiar. They feel like home base, even when home base is uncomfortable.

We all bring something into the New Year—habits, patterns, beliefs, fears, relationships, expectations, unfinished healing, unfinished conversations, and unfinished growth.

The real work is deciding what actually deserves to come with us. Because not everything does.