Typically this is a joyful post, a celebration of the past year and hope for the future. But tragedy struck over the weekend: Gosia, aka wingspangirl on Instagram, passed away suddenly, leaving the community awash with grief. My heart especially goes out to her sister, Magda.

As you can tell by her screenname, Gosia loved Wingspan, and she often posted about the game. Her enthusiasm for it was contagious, even for me. She also talked about a bunch of other games–that was the level on which I knew her, and I always appreciated the endless bounds of her positivity.

However, as I’ve learned by reading many of the memorial posts about Gosia, her sense of community went so much deeper. Countless people have expressed how Gosia always took the time to talk to them privately about any topic ranging from games to family/friendships to personal struggles. To Gosia, the social media community wasn’t about views or likes–it was about meaningful connections with people around the world.

With that in mind, the focal point of this year’s post about actions for 2026 is on meaningful connections. In a way that is true to you, how would you like to connect with people in 2026? This could be in the tabletop gaming community or beyond.

For me, I’m looking forward to connecting deeper with my coworkers when we’re all together in the same place for a few days this winter. I also invited my mom to join me, Megan, and a few friends on an Iceland trip later in 2026, and I look forward to the connections that emerge from that trip.

Also, I’m trying to give myself the grace and permission to focus more on the people I connect strongly with, especially at gaming events. For years I’ve felt this inner obligation to try to connect with as many people as possible (at Geekway to the West, Design Day, the gaming cruise, etc), but sometimes I just really enjoy certain people and wish I could spend more time with them. I’m hoping to do better at that in 2026.

Here are the questions I asked last year, with the addition of the new question inspired by Gosia:

1. What will you create in 2026 that is meaningful to you? This can be something completely new or something you’re continuing to create from the past year. What’s the first step you’ll take?
2. What will you play in 2026 that is meaningful to you? This could focus on the game/sport itself, the location, the people, etc.
3. Who or what will you elevate in 2026 that is meaningful to you? This could be anything you love or value that you want more people to know about.
4. How will you connect with people and the community in 2026 in a way that is meaningful to you?

I’ve added a special mention of Gosia in a Wingspan product coming later next year. To everyone whom Gosia touched, I’m so sorry for your loss–for our loss–and I appreciate you sharing how she impacted you.

***

Also read:

• Create Something Meaningful to You in 2022
• What Did You Create in 2022 that Was Meaningful to You?
• Play Something Meaningful to You in 2024
• Meaningful Creations and Play: Looking Back at 2023 and Forward to 2024
• Meaningful Creations, Play, Elevation, and Connection (2025-2026)