Recap

As 2025 draws to a close, I tend to recap the previous year. It allows me to see my progress and highlight any opportunities that might need some improvement.

This year began with Brian’s coronary, followed by his dad’s death, Bailey’s emergency surgery, and new opportunities. It has been a bit of a whirlwind. I no longer define the year as bad or good. Instead, I find the glimmers, the miracles, and the beauty in the darker times.

This year I was thrust into a new career that I didn’t realize I wanted. Working in the mental health arena has given me a new appreciation and perspective. I still volunteer with Hospice patients and that continues to fill me up. I am so grateful that I get to show up and allow those who are struggling to be seen and heard. Being of service has been an excellent way of getting out of myself.

Relationships have changed. Some are no longer viable. Some are on hiatus. I am grateful for all the connections that I make. I don’t chase. If I make an effort and it isn’t received, then I allow it to be whatever it is going to be. No judgement. No anger. Just allowing that relationship to have space. I don’t know everyone’s story, but I do know that regardless of the status, it isn’t about me. Everyone is on their own journey and I get to show up authentically without an agenda.

As I have said many times, resolutions are a setup for failure. They are unrealistic expectations disguised as goals. Instead, I adopt a word or a phrase. This year is “let them”. This is just allowing everyone to be who they are without me trying to change them. This is about not taking things personally. This is a reminder that people’s actions and reactions are more about them. This is a reminder that we are all doing the very best we can. By saying “let them” I am giving myself permission to simply let go of any judgement, reaction, or emotional ruminating. It is the best way to love myself.

There is lots of goodness on the horizon. 2026 is all about living in the question. Still being curious. Allowing myself to be open to the buffet that life offers. Life is short, but it is the only life I have, so why not show up and make it as magical as humanely possible. It is a choice and I want to choose the magic.

Happy New Year to my beautiful followers! Thank you for entertaining my writing whimsy. I wish you all a magical and healthy 2026.