Kristin Armstrong’s Decade of Transformation and Her Vision for 2036
Longtime TRIBEZA contributor, author and counselor reflects on the personal and professional milestones that shaped the past 10 years — and what comes next
As TRIBEZA marks its 25th anniversary, our moment of reflection coincides with a broader cultural glance back at the decade from 2016 to 2026. You may have noticed this on social media with people posting “then” and “now” tributes as photo or video montages. In more spiritual circles, there is talk of the Universal Year 1: the completion of the previous nine-year cycle, signifying a radical rebirth and a time to shed old identities and limiting beliefs.
Reflection holds real power especially when it serves as an orienting force. Much like Waze or Google Maps, if you don’t know where you are — or if your location isn’t turned on — you can’t map a path to where you want to go.
In 2016, my three kids were still in high school and living at home. I was working on a master’s degree in clinical mental health, and I was in a relationship that became heartbreaking and frustrating, yet ultimately was the catalyst for the biggest spiritual (r)evolution of my life to date. Flash forward 10 years, and my kids are grown and living elsewhere. I am blissfully married to the love of my life. I have five children, a thriving private consulting practice and I am currently working on my Ph.D.
Reflect and manifest
Where will I want to be in 2036?
In 2036, I will be 64 years old. Hopefully, I will be a very present and beloved grandmother. I hope to spend lots of time with my aging but healthy parents. I plan to be even more of a world traveler, so I’m strength training now in order to be able to lift my suitcase into the overhead bin for the rest of my life. I will have my Ph.D. and hopefully be a professor at a school I love, surrounded by smart students who keep me young, curious and playful. I will still have a private practice because I love my clients. I want to speak French, Spanish and Italian fluently and race vintage cars with my beautiful husband in rallies across Europe. I want to write books, both fiction and research-based non-fiction. I want to be running, hiking and trekking as long and as far as my legs will carry me. I want to host dinner parties with my favorite friends, old and new, and slow dance with my husband as we do the dishes after everyone heads home.
As you reflect on 2016, I encourage you to also look ahead to 2036. Write down a vision for yourself. Feel into the experience of being you 10 years from now. Revel in it, and prepare for the person you are becoming.
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