Looking Back Before Moving Forward
I’m a New Year Geek! I love the blank slate, the looking forward, the hope of what’s to come, the knowing that I can pivot anytime I want. But before jumping into 2026, I reflect on where 2025 took me.
Looking Back Honestly
What were my goals? Which ones did I accomplish? Did 2025 feel light or heavy? Did I find the joy and contentment in the simple things?
For some reason, I felt stagnant this year. I remember making my “2025 Intentional Living List” and feeling like it was a dud. 2024 had some doozies - Rim to Rim, GAP Trail (read all about it here ), Mexico. I’ve been struggling to find my adventure goals. 2025 felt Like I wasn’t doing enough. Like I should have lived bigger.
What the Year Actually Held
But sitting here now, looking back, I realize that story wasn’t entirely true. This year was fuller than I gave it credit for.
In March, I took a totally solo trip to Savannah, GA. Not realizing what a big deal St. Patrick’s Day is in Savannah, I walked into the largest St. Pat’s Day celebration in the US. Once the crowds cleared, I spent my time meandering through the streets at my own pace. Traveling alone is liberating - I had a hunch it would be.
How about the sunsets and sunrises this year? Is it me or have they been… More vibrant. More noticeable. I feel like I’m someone who has always paid attention but this year, they stopped me more than once.
I had a lot of time with my pups. Hiking, sitting, snuggling. My favorite warm weather thing is getting home from work, sitting on my front porch and watching them.
I had proud mom moments. Owen making it to regional PMEA jazz band. His SkillsUSA trips to Hershey and Atlanta. He started his senior year in September and I’m excited to see where he goes next. Having Evan home for the summer was comforting. For some reason, sending him back to school in August actually felt harder than his freshman year. Spending time easy time with Matt.
I donated blood 4 times in 2025 and the Blood Club made local news with an article in The Butler Eagle. I’ve become so accustomed to donating that I forgot its impact. Reading folks’ comments about how blood donation saved lives was humbling.
I saw a lot of music. I enjoyed happy hours with friends and coworkers. I celebrated birthdays. There was Nashville. Biking. Rugby games. A Folly Beach workshop that blended learning with salt air. So much hiking. So much coffee.
Through it all, I was working - a trusted advisor helping people buy and sell homes, guiding big decisions, navigating timing, emotions, patience, and trust. My style is more steady than urgent. More perspective and less pressure.
So yeah, I guess I did some things in 2025. Even when I felt too still, I was moving. Maybe I need to be more intentional when reflecting too - more glass half full, more grateful.
Moving Forward With Intention
I don’t make New Year’s resolutions.
I make plans. I dream. I reflect.
I think about living more intentionally — how I want to use my time in this life. Not just for the big trips and highlight moments, but for the small things too. The quiet. The movement. The conversations. The impact I have on the people I love most.
Looking ahead to 2026 - I want to see it all. I don’t want to miss a thing.
Not every season feels expansive while you’re in it — even when it’s quietly full.
#IntentionalLiving #NewYearReflection #LivingWithIntention #LookingBackMovingForward #LifeByDesign #SeasonOfLife #ThoughtfulLiving #PerspectiveMatters