LET’S PLAY BINGO, QUEENS.
A fun, pressure-free way to start the year without resolutions.
“The whole point is: no pressure — just play.”
Happy New Year, Queens! 👑
It’s January, and you know what that means — time to make that list of all the ways you’re going to be “better” this year.
But what if we didn’t do something we already know doesn’t work? (And if resolutions do work for you — amazing, keep doing you.)
For the rest of us, what if the new year didn’t have to be about pressure, or a long list of goals you’ll forget by February?
This year, let’s do something way more fun: Let’s play Bingo.
Yes, Queen — Bingo. A whole bingo card dedicated to small, realistic actions that add up to a better year.
Gratitude First
Before we jump in, let’s start the year with gratitude. THANK YOU to everyone who showed up to the Holiday Pop-up Market and supported our Queen entrepreneurs.
What started back in 2017 in a tiny room at the Ajax Community Centre has grown into something truly special. This year’s market was a 2-day event, featuring 60 vendors each day, over 4,000 registrations, and 1,200–1,500 attendees per day.
That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident — it happens because this community shows up, supports, and believes in Black women-led businesses.
And if you think this year was big… just wait. Next year is going to be even bigger and better.
I personally went in planning to buy one foundation… and left $374.78 later with a lot of amazing things for myself and Christmas gifts for my family. (Yes, I know the exact amount because I’m tracking my spending — remember, we talked about that last year 😉)
The diversity of vendors offered something for everyone: haircare to keep my curls poppin’, self-care and wellness products to help with the daily pain I live with, thoughtful gifts for the kids in my life, and some very delicious chocolate.
This is money I would’ve spent anyway — and I’m proud knowing it went directly to supporting Queens in our community.
Now… Let’s Play Bingo 🎉
How It Works:
Instead of writing resolutions, you get a bingo card filled with simple, achievable mini-goals, like:
Drink an extra glass of water
Call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while
Go for a 20-minute walk
Do one thing just for you
Organize one small space
Try a new recipe
Do a skincare night
Say “no” to something draining
Journal for five minutes
The whole point is simple: no pressure — just play.
Do the goals in any order. Take your time. Celebrate every square you check off.
When you complete a full row, column, or diagonal? That’s a Bingo, Queen.
Why It Works
It turns growth into something doable, not overwhelming
It focuses on small wins (which are way more motivating than giant goals)
You can customize it to your real life
It feels like a game — so you actually stick with it
It aligns perfectly with our community: support, joy, accountability, and celebrating each other.
Your Mission (If You Choose to Play)
We created a Black Queens of Durham Bingo Card just for you — click here to download it.
Save or print the bingo card
Fill in the squares with your mini goals
Start checking things off
Post your progress in the Facebook group
One square checked off? Post it.
A row completed? Post it.
Vibing with the bingo aesthetic? Post a cute photo of your card.
Let’s cheer each other on like we always do.
Need Inspiration? Here’s a Glimpse of Mine
I broke my goals into categories: health/self-care, relationships, acting, finances, and career development.
These are my categories because:
Health is actually wealth
I’m living abroad, away from family and friends
I love acting
I don’t fully understand money (yet)
And I need to find a new job
I don’t have one big “end goal” for each category — these are simply the areas of my life I want to be intentional about right now. I’m sure this will evolve as the year unfolds, but this is my starting point for January.
Black Queens of Durham – Bingo – Jan 2026
| B | I | N | G | O |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practice/perfect 1 monologue | Get my pap smear done | Update resume/LinkedIn | Track spending | Plan a weekly date night |
| Find a photographer for new headshots | Go for a 20–30 min walk 3× a week | Spend 30 mins per week skill building | One no-spend day a week | Call mom and dad 1× a week |
| Research new agent options | Drink water before tea/coffee | FREE SPACE | Learn 1 new thing about money | Tell girlfriends I love them |
| Read 1 screenplay | Stretch before bed | Learn salary negotiation questions | Cancel 1 unused subscription | End each day with gratitude |
| Practice 1 new accent | Take daily supplement | Review career options | Save X this month | Do a self-care night together |
Make them mini-goals — and you’ll over-achieve once you get started.
This year isn’t about perfection. It’s about community, support, and small steps that make us feel good.
Let’s make January playful, intentional, and full of wins — big and small.
This year isn’t about perfection. It’s about community, support, and small steps that make us feel good.
Let’s make January playful, intentional, and full of wins — big and small.
Mark your calendar for these January events:
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12:00pm - 4:00pm
Sheridan College - Davis Campus, 7899 McLaughlin Road, Brampton, ON L6Y 5H9
FREE
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2:00pm - 3:00pm
St. Francis Centre for Community, Arts & Culture, 78 Church St. S., Ajax ON
$20.00
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9:00am
Blue Mountain Village, 156 Jozo Weider Boulevard, The Blue Mountains, ON L9Y 3Z2
From $150.43
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8:00pm
Key's Stand up Comedy Club Toronto Improv Bar and Grill, 844 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON
From $17.29
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9:30am - 1:30pm
EarlyON Clarington, Durham Region Townline Building, 600 Townline Rd. S., Oshawa
FREE
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7:00pm - 9:00pm
St. Francis Centre for Community, Arts & Culture, 78 Church St. S., Ajax ON
$5.00
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6:00pm - 8:30pm
Centre for Social Innovation - Spadina, 192 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 3A4
$0.00 - $5.00
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written by Nickisha RASHID