WE NEED TO TALK… ABOUT HOW THIS YEAR IS GOING
Queens, let’s do a real mid-year check-in
When was the last time you checked in with yourself?
Somehow, we’re already halfway through 2026.
Enough time has passed to see what’s working, what isn’t, what surprised you, and what needs your attention. And there’s still time to shift, refocus, or start again if needed.
Personally, 2026 hasn’t looked the way I expected. My year started with an unexpected layoff, but also some big wins in my personal life. It’s been a year of recalculating and figuring things out.
And it made me realize something: mid-year isn’t about how far ahead you are - it’s about being honest about where you are right now.
So instead of a recap, this month is a pause - a journal reflection.
Sometimes writing things down is the first time we actually hear ourselves clearly. Journalling helps clear mental clutter, ease overwhelm, and make sense of what’s already been sitting in your mind. It gives you space to notice what’s shifted, what you’ve outgrown, and what deserves more of your attention.
Grab your journal or Notes app, your coffee or tea - whatever feels like you - and move through these reflections at your own pace.
First, Let’s Celebrate!
Before we get into it, let’s give ourselves some credit.
We don’t always pause to do this - so do it now. These wins don’t have to be big:
Goals you crushed (fitness, career, finances, education)
Relationships you deepened or healed
Boundaries you set or protected
Habits you started or stayed consistent with
Moments you chose yourself when it wasn’t easy
Don’t minimize these.
You are not the same Queen you were on January 1st.
Energy + Wellbeing Check-In
How have you really been feeling lately? Not how it looks from the outside. Not how you’ve been telling people you’re doing. You.
Prompts:
How has my energy been most days lately?
What’s been draining me more than I expected?
What’s been helping me feel grounded, even in small ways?
Am I resting, or just recovering to keep going?
What does my body or mind need more of right now?
Career + Purpose Check-In
Whether you’re building, job searching, or starting over, take a moment to think about how work and purpose have been feeling for you this year.
Prompts:
How do I actually feel about my work right now?
Am I growing, surviving, or just getting through?
What has this year taught me about what I want professionally?
What feels aligned, and what feels off?
If nothing changed, would I still choose this path a year from now?
Financial Check-In
Money affects more than our bank accounts. It affects how safe, prepared, and in control we feel. And for many of us, it’s also one of the hardest things to talk honestly about.
Prompts:
How do I feel when I think about my finances right now?
What habits have been helping me this year?
What habits are creating stress or avoidance?
Where do I feel confident financially?
Where do I feel overwhelmed?
Relationships + Community Check-In
The people around us matter more than we sometimes admit. Who we’re pouring into. Who’s pouring into us. And where things feel balanced - or don’t.
Prompts:
Who has really been showing up for me this year?
Who have I been showing up for?
Which relationships feel balanced?
Which ones feel like I’m carrying more than I should?
Who do I feel like myself around?
Identify + Personal Growth Check-In
Growth isn’t always loud. Sometimes it looks like quieter boundaries, different choices, or realizing you’re not who you used to be - and that’s not a bad thing.
Prompts:
What’s something I’ve changed this year that I haven’t fully acknowledged?
What have I outgrown without realizing it?
What am I no longer willing to tolerate or force?
What’s been coming up for me lately?
Who am I becoming in this season?
You don’t need to have everything figured out by mid-year. This is just a pause - a moment to notice where you are without rushing to fix or force anything.
Whatever this year has looked like so far, celebrate it, learn from it, and grow through it. And the best part? You still get to decide what the second half looks like.
On a final note, let’s give a special Father’s Day shout out to the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, mentors, and father figures who continue to show up, support, guide, and care for their families and communities in different ways. And to the moms out there pulling double duty, we see you too.
Check out these events happening in Durham this month:
-
-
-
-
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, 1867 Valley Farm Road, Pickering, ON
FREE
-
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Children's Arena & Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens, 155 Arena St, Oshawa, ON
FREE
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Rotary Sunrise Lake Park (North of the Whitby Harbour Lighthouse Pier)
269 Water Street
FREE
-
-
-
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Ontario Tech University, 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5
FREE
Summer Pop-Up Market + Family Fun Day
Sunday, June 14, 2026
12:00 PM 8:00 PM
AUDLEY RECREATION CENTRE
1955 Audley Road Ajax, ON, L1Z 1V6 Canada (map)
Get ready for an exciting afternoon at the Audley Recreation Centre for our 6th annual Summer Pop-Up Market + Family Fun Day! With 60+ vendors offering fantastic products and services from black-owned businesses, there's something for everyone.
This isn't your typical market – it's a family affair! Spread the word and join in on the fun. Enjoy great music, delicious food, and snap some photos at our photo booth.
Last year, we had over 1200 visitors, and this year promises to be even better! Don't miss out on the summer's coolest event. See you there!
Disclaimer: By attending this event, you consent to being photographed and/or filmed. The images and footage may be used for promotional and marketing purposes by Black Queens of Durham Region. If you have any concerns, please speak with an event organizer on-site.
GET YOUR FREE TICKETS HERE
written by Nickisha RASHID