2026

It’s 2026. I’m one day closer to the end of my time doing what I love—and one day closer to being able to give more of myself to the people who matter most; My Family. One day closer to closing a chapter that took twenty years to write. How and when that ending comes is still unfolding, but the goal remains unchanged and always will: move forward, unrelentingly.

I’ve spent a lot of time thinking this year. I’ve turned the question over until it was raw—how this all happens, what comes next. I’ve aligned myself with some of the best people I know, built roadmaps, traced possible paths forward, all in pursuit of whatever the future is willing to offer.

I figured I’d put some goals into the ether. There’s something about saying things out loud that keeps me honest. So here it is.

1.) Spend more time chasing adventures with my family and less time glued to a phone. I’m exhausted by it—the endless group chats, the perceived obligation to post a story or reel, the phone calls at all hours. Most of that shit can wait. There will always be exceptions, but this year, prioritizing family becomes gospel. They’ve sacrificed more than I ever should have asked, and it’s time I make space to give back.

2.) Slowly drift away from Instagram. I don’t hate it—it’s just not what it used to be. I want to take photos for myself, not for a fucking algorithm. Fuck a posting schedule. I’ll share what I want, when I want. Maybe I move to Substack. Maybe I don’t. The point is returning to catharsis, not feeding anxiety with perfection.

3.) Deliver The Long Walk coffee table book. With your help, I hope we can donate a meaningful amount to the Navy Special Operations Foundation when it goes live. I’ve been grinding to make this real, and it’s still tracking for Spring/Summer 2026.

4.) Care less. Let go of what I can’t control and invest my energy only where it actually matters. Easier said than done, but it’s time for a real mindset shift as I step into unfamiliar ground.

5.) Read more. Write more. God knows I need both.

6.) Make sure the Sonny standing in December 2026 is someone current-me would shit a brick having to stand next to—in the best way possible. Healthier physically. Healthier mentally and emotionally. A better photographer. A better husband and father. A better leader. A better friend. A better fucking human.

7.) Love harder, with a softer heart. If you think that’s “gay,” grow up, Peter Pan. I’ll see you when you finally leave Neverland.

I’m ripping these goals straight out as I write this, so I know I’m forgetting a few. That’s fine. This is about accountability, not perfection. If you get something from it, even better—and if you haven’t already, I hope this pushes you to sit down and write out what you want from 2026.

Thanks for sticking around another year.

—Sonny