As we approach the end of the year, it’s a great time to consider where we have been. Whether it be new thoughts, key takeaways, lessons learned, or just a “good word” this is the perfect opportunity to gather the wisdom of the year in one place. And that’s exactly what we will do here. With no further ado and in no particular order, I present 25 nuggets from 2025.
- Get the right supplies for the task before you. Whether it be office supplies, computer software or waterproof shoes and pants (because dogs still need to be walked even during something called an “atmospheric river”) having what you need makes all the difference.
- People are too quick to push in all their chips or announce the hill they plan to die on. Become comfortable with hanging back a bit and see what happens. More often than not a big stand isn’t necessary.
- Deep laughter is healing.
- Know your scrunch point – that moment where you are fussy and can’t do any more good. That’s the moment to pull back or it’s likely that you (and others) will suffer the consequences.
- Conditions change and you can, too.
- Movement is magical for solving problems. Whether it’s taking a walk or having a solo dance party, don’t underestimate the power that moving your body can have on moving your mind and mood.
- Cultivate your community. Find people who so deeply “get” you that being around them is equivalent to a deep exhale. These people are worth their weight in gold.
- Allow yourself to be a beginner more often.
- Be generous with “professions of love.” Tell people why and how they matter to you. Life is short; leave nothing important unsaid.
- Don’t delay joy – find pockets and moments every single day.
- Gratitude is life giving, but sometimes you have to manufacture it, before you feel it. You may need to start your gratitude list with little things like soap and hot water, before moving on to the bigger stuff.
- Always be learning something new. It keeps your brain agile, expands your thinking and makes you more interesting.
- Humans aren’t at their best when hurried, worried or stressed or when “multi-tasking”. Slow down and do one thing at a time.
- Comfort isn’t the same as compatibility. Learn when it’s time to go. People often stay in situations they hate, just because they are comfortable.
- As much as possible, be content with what you have and where you are. Comparison really is the thief of joy
- Aging is a privilege that not everyone will get to experience.
- None of us can do everything on our own. Everyone needs wise coaching and helpful counsel.
- Proximity isn’t the same as presence. Being close to your loved ones, while staring at your phone isn’t quality time.
- Keep inventory low – whether it be household items, debts or regrets. Stop holding on to so much, it just weighs you down.
- Many of our biggest disappointments come from unmet, unclear, or wrong expectations.
- Make time for play. It’s the best antidote to burnout.
- Prioritize your future self. There are many habits that won’t benefit “current” you as much as “future” you. Flossing, exercising, saving money, even filling your gas tank today, so you don’t have to leave early tomorrow. Take care of your future self in the present and you will be unbelievably proud of your past self.
- There has been a lot more discussion recently about giving others “grace.” But then, it’s inevitable that a conversation about the worthiness (of that grace) will follow. By its very nature, grace is undeserved, so there’s no reason not to give it and give it freely.
- None of us know how much time we (or others) have. People aren’t an inconvenience; they are the reason for everything we do. Let go of your to do list and grab onto the folks that matter.
- Be careful about algorithms run your life. Be intentional about what you curate and cultivate in your life. Don’t get flooded by the “atmospheric river” you didn’t sign up for and don’t actually want.
Happy Holidays! See you in 2026.