Whimsy is the word of the moment. So, I added more of it to my life. Here's what happened.

Business Insider reporter Samantha Pettyjohn embraced whimsy to kick off 2026.

Amy Lombard for BI

I didn't exactly start 2026 off on a high note. As the New Year rolled in, I was recovering from the flu, sniffling as fireworks exploded across the city. I spent the next few weeks trying to get over a lingering cough while incessantly checking my phone for news updates; dread pooled in my stomach with each new headline.

I'm also approaching the 10th anniversary of my mom's death. Coupled...