> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.themariejohn.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # My 2026 Curriculum 📚 - URL: https://www.themariejohn.com/my-2026-curriculum/ - Published: 2026-01-11T17:21:14.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-04T20:09:00.000Z - Description: What I'm Studying This Year - Author: Soul x SWMarie ✨ - Tags: japan, literature, education, james baldwin, self study, new orleans, self discovery, lifestyle, reading, human body, learning, creative writing, culinary arts, Newsletter, #Migrated-1791144068973, #Import 2026-10-04 20:05 Towards the end of last year, I started my self-study journey. In doing so, I learned very quickly that sometimes, less is more. It makes more sense for me to hone in on a few things so that I’m able to sit with them and truly study them. This isn’t a sprint, its a lifelong learning journey. I don’t plan to “stop learning” at some point when I feel like I’ve “learned it all”. So why rush? Taking my time is important to me. I had a long list of things I wanted to learn by the end of 2026 — an entire catalog of everything that was interesting to me. As much as I want to learn all of these things at one time (I know, LOL), I know that it’s not necessarily possible for me. In April I will be starting my MFA classes for my Creative Writing degree. I am also publishing my third book this year. Because of this, I know that I will not be able to learn the long list of things I had in my mind to learn. But that’s okay! I want this journey to be fun and educational at the same time. I don’t want to feel like I’m failing myself if I don’t do it all this year. So, I’ve made some changes to my curriculum! --- This entire year is rooted in New Orleans. I currently have a series on my blog called The Bayou Journal where I dive deep into the history of all things New Orleans. This was created for my mom, shout out to her! [Nadia Thompson](https://open.substack.com/users/79197389) — my biggest supporter! She and I both love New Orleans down to our bones and I thought the series would be a great and fun way to pay homage to the city we love so much. What better way than to learn about it’s history. Underneath the French Quarter, gumbo, and Mardi Gras lives resilience, passion, and a long history that deserves to be explored, researched, and recognized. I’m studying the city from the ground up—its history, geography, food, art, disasters, institutions, and survival stories. I want to understand how this place became what it is, and why it continues to shape the people who love it so fiercely. By December, my goal is to speak about the city with clarity, responsibility, and depth. New Orleans is my core focus of the year, but I also have other areas I want to dive into: Literature, the Human Body, and Japan! --- #### 📚 James Baldwin Rather than jumping between authors, I’m dedicating this year to studying one voice closely: James Baldwin. I want to sit with his work. To trace his thinking, his moral clarity and his courage. I will also read some fiction novels this year for my own pleasures! Can’t forget about those. --- #### 🌿 The Body — Healing & Systems Alongside history and literature, I’m studying healing herbs and the systems of the body. I want a better understanding of how the body works, how it breaks down, and how it repairs itself. This has always been interesting to me and I plan on expanding my knowledge — focused on healing my body from the inside out. Culinary is also a focus for this year. At the end of last year, I began focusing on making breads from scratch. I have to say, I’ve perfected that craft in my own way. Not only did I start making bread, but also all natural cough medicine rooted in boosting the immune system. Learning to make more things from scratch this year is a focus for me in the kitchen. --- #### 🌏 Japan I have always carried an infatuation with Japan. From the food, shows, culture, and their way of life — I want to dive deeper into that. I started my Japan studies at the end of 2025 and since then have learned quite a bit. I want to continue my journey with Japan in 2026. [Subscribe now](#/portal/signup) There you have it. My 2026 self-study curriculum in a nut shell. I am encouraging all of you to do a little self-studying of your own. If you do, let me know! I’d love to see what you guys are learning this year.