Updated on January 21, 2026

Ahead of every Olympic Games, the torch is carried across continents. Fun fact: Today it’s in Venice!

The torch travels thousands of miles around the world because its journey isn’t a solo marathon; it’s a relay. The fire keeps going not because one person runs harder or longer, but because many people carry it forward.

When the calendar turns to a new page, we tend to pile on new goals, new projects, and new expectations – taking more torches without handing any off.

But when we add without letting go, things get heavy. They slow us down. They burn us out.

At Rent Responsibly, we’ve been asking ourselves what to let go of coming into this year, so here’s my invitation to you: consider what you might hand off, too.

What task, role, or expectation that once lit you up might move further in its journey in someone else’s hands? What torch can you pass – or even extinguish – so you can move forward to new goals?

I’m practicing what I preach. After nearly six years of writing this newsletter, I’ll be handing it off to my amazing teammates. I can’t wait for you to read their bright ideas and inspiring insights as they take this monthly hello to new places. Meanwhile, I’ll be kindling new flames at Rent Responsibly, which you’ll see elsewhere in your inbox throughout the year.

Thank you for reading! It’s been one of my favorite things to write, month after month.

Here’s to a bright new year and to whatever you choose to carry forward,

Alexa Nota,
COO and Co-Founder of Rent Responsibly