Every year, in those fuzzy last days of December (the week after Christmas when all you want to do is curl up under a blanket and binge your favorite shows) I feel a little bittersweet. Melancholic, but quietly optimistic too.
I slip into reflection mode and think about everything that’s happened over the past few months: the good, the bad, and the messy middle. I usually look back before I look ahead; I guess that’s just how I’m wired. It’s how I make sense of my life and everything I’ve been learning.
2025 felt like a good year to look back on, not because it was perfect, but because it was revealing. Some things worked better than I expected. Some absolutely did not. And a few worked out just long enough to make me think everything was okay, before I realized I had to let go because they were doing more harm than good.
With that said, let’s get into an honest inventory.
What Worked
Simplicity (and sticking with what already works). This year I leaned into simplicity, and it paid off. Meal prep didn’t need reinvention. Our home didn’t need constant redecorating. Workouts didn’t need to be exciting to be effective. The clothes in my closet were enough.
I didn’t need new systems—I needed fewer decisions. That saved time, energy, and a surprising amount of sanity.
Setting boundaries. Boundaries did exactly what they’re supposed to do: they told people what I can and can’t do, what I allow and don’t allow, and, most importantly, they revealed who could respect my limits. Some people adjusted and stayed. Some got disappointed and disappeared. Both outcomes were useful.
Planning ahead. My husband and I went to Italy this year, and all my organizational skills were put to good use. We hit all the locations we wanted because I researched and planned the itinerary months before the trip.
Seeing the chiropractor. I hurt my adductor muscles back in May which led to immobility and missed workouts. I endured the pain for months before finally going to the clinic and admitting I needed help beyond resting. I’m able to exercise again with no pain!
Quiet holiday celebrations. My husband and I spent the holidays at home, without elaborate décor, grand preparations, or guest lists. It was perfect—just the two of us, enjoying our time together, stress-free.
What Didn’t Work
Choosing the wrong therapist. I scheduled a session with a therapist who just wasn’t the right fit. It wasn’t a bad experience, it just didn’t click. I learned that compatibility actually matters. I’ll probably share more about this later, when I’m not too lazy to write about the strategy this therapist used on me (smirk).
Expecting others to share my values. I kept assuming people would think and care like I do. Turns out… nope. That expectation just set me up for frustration.
Rome didn’t work for my personality. Rome was beautiful, but way too crowded for me. I love travel, but I don’t love feeling like I’m constantly surrounded by people. I knew it would be busy because it was a Jubilee year, but the crowds still shocked me. I learned that my ideal travel style is calm, spacious, and less overstimulating—something to keep in mind for future trips.
Walking with a weighted vest (for now). While women my age are frequently advised to walk with a weighted vest, it isn’t appropriate for me at this stage. My body is currently sensitive to loaded exercise, and the extra weight feels like too much right now.
Restaurant food. I limit dining out because I’m sensitive to salt. Many restaurant dishes are seasoned more heavily than my body can handle. I eat home-cooked meals most days of the week, which I find to be healthier and more sustainable.
The messy middle of this year forced me to stop hormone medications. Being in my 40s is a challenge I didn’t sign up for, LOL!!! I learned the hard way that hormone therapy isn’t for everyone. As I write this, my body is still recalibrating. I’m learning to work with the body I have now instead of chasing who I was ten years ago. There’s grief in that shift, but I’m choosing compassion and curiosity over sadness. It’s a sensitive topic for a lot of women, but I believe stories like mine are still under-studied and deserve more attention.
Now, a few weeks into the new year, I’m curious about what’s ahead. I’m hopeful we’ll remain healthy in mind, body, and soul, and that we’ll stay employed, engaged, learning, and growing as the days unfold. Last year gave me valuable information about what works and what doesn’t, and I plan to carry that forward. I’m not chasing perfection—just continuing to do what makes sense for the life I’m living now.
This year I’m moving with intention. When things go well, I will celebrate with no apologies. When things are difficult, I will provide a soft landing space for my thoughts and emotions so I can honor and protect my well-being.
What worked and didn’t work for you in 2025? What are your intentions for this year? I’d love to know your thoughts.
