• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Pretty Zen Mama logo
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
×
Home

75 Days of Glimmer: Why I'm Skipping 75 Hard This Year (and Doing This Instead)

Published: Jan 3, 2026 by Lacretia · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links, and I will earn a small commission if you purchase through these links (at no extra cost to you). I only recommend things I love and think you'll love, too. If an item was gifted or a post is sponsored, I'll be up front about it. Thank you for supporting Pretty Zen Mama!

You’ve probably heard of 75 Hard — the challenge that pushes you to your limits, dares you to wake up earlier, work out twice a day for 45 minutes, stick to a strict diet, drink a gallon of water, read nonfiction, etc., etc. Basically, depriving yourself to optimize yourself, and if you mess up once…you start over from day one.

Honestly?
That is not the energy I’m bringing into this season of my life.

This year, I’m ditching resolutions and instead focusing on intentions. I'm craving less pressure and more peace. Less “push harder” and more “what actually makes me feel good?” Winter is long. Life is heavy. Motherhood is exhausting. And after a really hard year, I decided I don’t need another thing that makes me feel behind.

But I do want something that carries me through these winter doldrums and helps me feel like myself again.

So I created something new.

Introducing: ✨ 75 Days of Glimmer ✨

Instead of 75 Hard, I’m doing 75 Days of Glimmer.

And before you roll your eyes — no, this is not just “breathe deeply” or “drink lemon water and manifest joy.”

It’s intentional. It’s grounding. And most importantly, it’s doable.

What’s a “Glimmer,” Anyway?

A glimmer is the opposite of a trigger.

It’s a small moment in your day that makes your nervous system exhale.
A spark of joy, pride, or gratitude.
A quiet “yes, this feels right.”

It might look like:

  • Catching a rainbow shining through the window.
  • Laughing at a dumb meme.
  • Finishing a book chapter.
  • Feeling proud of yourself for following through on something small.

Your heart rate drops. You smile without forcing it. You feel grateful, steady, present.

That’s what I want more of. For not only myself, but for all of us.

Because last year was hard. And I think we deserve to enter this year with grace, softness, and a little sparkle.

How 75 Days of Glimmer Works

Here is how the challenge works. There are daily tasks and monthly tasks (I’m using the word tasks very loosely here).

These aren’t punishments, they’re anchors to help you notice joy instead of racing past it.

A few important rules:

  • If something doesn’t spark joy for you, skip it.
  • If you miss a day, you do not start over.
  • Sick kid? Bad night? Life happens → Acknowledge it and move on.
  • This is about progress, not perfection.

No gold stars, no shame spirals. Just paying attention to what actually helps you feel good.

✨ 75 Days of Glimmer ✨

January 5 – March 20 (Hello, spring!)

Daily Glimmers

Choose what works for you. Scale these up or down.

  • 30 minutes of movement
    Walking, yoga, having a dance party in your kitchen — it counts if your body moves.
  • 45 minutes of reading
    Audiobooks absolutely count. Reading while folding laundry? Still counts.
  • Learn or practice something new
    Podcast, hobby, language app, sewing, baking, follow your curiosity, not productivity.
  • Nourish your body (no food guilt allowed)
    This is not about weight loss. For me, that looks like:
    • Prioritizing protein (I'm going for 100g / day)
    • Eating more fruits and veggies (5 servings at least)
    • Skipping alcohol during the week
  • Simple skincare routine
    Not 12 steps. Just caring for yourself like you matter (because you do).
  • 100 oz of water
    Aim for it. Don’t spiral if you miss it.
  • Reach out to a friend or family member
    A text counts. A voice note counts. Connection with people you love matters.
  • Daily affirmations
    Eye-rolling allowed. Repetition still works.
  • 3 things you’re grateful for
    Even on messy days. No, especially on messy days.
  • One thing purely for joy
    A bath. Baking bread. Playing with your dog. Watching a comfort show.

Monthly Glimmers

  • Buy yourself a small reward for making it through the month (yes, chocolate counts).
  • Build a playlist that matches your mood.
  • Choose two books to read for the next month.
  • Take one intentional day off your phone (or as close as possible).
  • Do a quick financial check-in (neutral, not judgmental).
  • Do something that makes you feel beautiful — a haircut, a manicure, lashes, whatever that means to you.

Optional (Zero-Pressure) Boundaries

  • No buying new books (library or secondhand is fair game).
  • No new clothes (thrifting or sewing is okay).
  • No new makeup or beauty products unless you’re truly out.
  • Limit social media time (late-night doomscrolling, you are banished!).

Why You Should Try 75 Days of Glimmer

I truly believe this:
The more space we make for glimmers, the more they show up.

This isn’t about becoming a new version of yourself.
It’s about reconnecting with the amazing person you already are — under the noise, the to-do lists, and the burnout.

So here’s to choosing joy on purpose.
Here’s to softness without quitting.
Here’s to making 2026 sparkle. ✨

I'd love it if you joined me for the 75 Days of Glimmer. I think you're going to love it. And for all the type-A mamas out there (hi! 🙋‍♀️), I even made us a handy-dandy printable tracking sheet — go here to get it.

Here's to cheering each other on in 2026!

More Wellness

  • A notebook on a desk with "set intentions" written inside, with a pen and a cup of tea nearby.
    Why I'm Choosing Intention Over Resolutions This Year

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rachel Rae says

    January 06, 2026 at 6:19 pm

    I love this! Let’s spark some simple joys and make the world around us sparkle a bit more! 🙂

    Reply
    • Lacretia says

      January 11, 2026 at 10:21 pm

      I'm so glad this resonated with you! I'm hoping it inspires us to notice the glimmers all year long! 💛

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Why I'm Choosing Intention Over Resolutions This Year
  • 75 Days of Glimmer: Why I'm Skipping 75 Hard This Year (and Doing This Instead)
  • How to Get Your Best Mani With Press On Nails
  • 10 Winter Skincare Tips for Surviving the Cold
  • The Sephora Savings Event: Your Ultimate Guide to Beauty Deals

Recent Comments

  1. Lacretia on 75 Days of Glimmer: Why I'm Skipping 75 Hard This Year (and Doing This Instead)
  2. Rachel Rae on 75 Days of Glimmer: Why I'm Skipping 75 Hard This Year (and Doing This Instead)

Archives

  • January 2026
  • March 2025
  • November 2024
  • January 2024

Categories

  • Beauty
  • Motherhood
  • Wellness

Copyright © 2026 Pretty Zen Mama on the Cravings Pro Theme