Happy New Year, 2026!

This is an exciting time as we begin 2026. The hustle and bustle of the holidays has slowed, and now many of us can refocus on ourselves and on others. This is the time when we can write a new chapter in our personal stories.

Do you set a New Year’s resolution? I, for one, don’t. I tend to struggle with resolutions, and when I fall short, it leaves me feeling frustrated—which is not how I want to start a new year. I always have good intentions to better myself. I want to work out more, eat better, save money, declutter, and be better for others. But instead of resolutions, I choose challenges.

Each year, I challenge myself—and I encourage others to do the same. Try something you wouldn’t normally do. I didn’t grow up this way as I like my routines, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve made a conscious effort to step outside my comfort zone. Last year, for example, I challenged myself to do a polar plunge on New Year’s Day. Some might say that’s crazy—jumping into Lake Erie while the water temperature is around 30 degrees and snow is falling. Honestly, I thought so too when my brother did it. But after completing it, I felt completely invigorated.

I also challenged myself to complete an 11K ruck to help bring attention to suicide awareness for our Veterans—almost 7 miles of walking with 15 pounds on my back, out in the open, alone with my thoughts. Being vulnerable, letting others see me smile, sweat, and even tear up with emotion, was powerful. It reminded me of a quote by Maya Angelou: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive.”Completing these challenges gives me strength and determination to keep moving forward.

In 2023, I joined the Ohio Western Reserve Ladies. I hate putting myself out there—joining things without friends or at least one person I know. That decision was one of the greatest risks I’ve taken, and it turned into one of the greatest rewards. These ladies have become not only friends, but my extended family.

This group of powerful women started from nothing—just women getting together with ideas to support our Veterans—and took on the challenge of turning that vision into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. As our group has grown, we realized we needed to expand our board. I am so thrilled to welcome the women who have stepped up to challenge themselves by joining the Ohio Western Reserve Ladies Board of Directors. Please join me in welcoming our new officers and leaders: Bonnie Gardner, Nancy Robinson, and Barb Basler.

These ladies have accepted the challenge for 2026—not only to step outside their comfort zones, but to be a voice for our Veterans and their families. While we initially thought we only had one thing in common—a loved one interred at Ohio Western Reserve Cemetery—we have learned that facing challenges head-on has made us stronger, both individually and collectively. These women bring wonderful ideas, insights, and perspectives that will only make us stronger in the end.

I’ve realized that challenging yourself makes you stronger. It helps you grow and become better than you were the year before. When you challenge yourself, you’re guaranteed not to fail—because no one defines your challenge but you. Your biggest critic is yourself, but with a simple shift in mindset, your biggest supporter can be yourself as well.

With that mindset, I’m excited for the challenges ahead and for all that 2026 will bring. Just remember: “You are one decision away from a completely different life.”—Mel Robbins

Megan Tetlak is an Executive Board member of OWRL and comes from a deeply rooted military family. Her father is interred at OWRNC. Megan's passion for veteran work goes well beyond OWRL and she has a heart for volunteerism and doing the best she can by the others in her commuity.