This time last year I had no clue what was to come, or where the next plot twist would be. I was pregnant already—and didn’t know.
We didn’t know that we were en route to a life that could only be described as a dream within a dream.
We didn’t know that we would discover a love deeper, greater, than ourselves.
We didn’t know that we’d take the trip of a lifetime, deepen friendships, or that we would celebrate our first wedding anniversary—6 months along—in a gondola soaking up sunset on the Venice canals.
What if the magic of a new year is in the unknowing? The permission for whimsy. The beauty in the unfolding.
12 months later, I’m basking in the warmth of our baby boy’s snuggles, the soft huff of his mid-nap-breath, and twinkle of our first Christmas tree as a family. Reflecting on the changes, shifts, and belly flopping twists.
The adventures, laughter, and quality time with our ohana. The delicious meals, kismet moments, and deep coffee conversations.
The slower pace I’ve learned to savor and embrace. The gift of the pause, that even Santa Claus, couldn’t wrap and place under the tree.
If this life is a book still being written, I’m done trying to read it backwards. Instead, I’ll keep reading, and writing, one word, one page at a time.
In honor of celebrating the pages we have written in 2025, on New Year’s Eve, we decided to take a stab at the viral “Accomplishment Cake” trend. Each person was given three blank pieces of paper and three wooden skewers.
The task: pull 2 names from the bowl and recognize one accomplishment for each person, and one for yourself—then read it aloud, and stake your flag in the cake.
Through the applause, and “awes” were hugs, laughter, and illuminations of moments from the year that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.
The makeshift flags read a range of recognitions:
“Putting yourself out there,”
“Receiving love,”
“Following your creative practice,”
“Advocating for yourself,”
“Becoming ‘best-dad,’”
“Prioritizing your mind and body.”
Each person held a mirror to another, and in effect said:
“You and your unsung accomplishments for the year matter. We see you. We celebrate you!”
We spend so much time at the end of the year thinking about what we didn’t do, how much we didn’t make, how we could have been… more.
Seldom do we pause long enough to get curious about the so-called molehills we’ve summited. When given a moment to be seen by those we love, we can be celebrated as the mountain climbers we really are.
I’m sorry—but, a “resolution” could never! Not when you have a whole cake, and the loving faces of chosen family, in front of you stating the opposite.
The manufactured expectation to do more, be better, can reek of “not enough.” As though, all your efforts throughout the year, still came up short.
A resolution feels like setting yourself up for failure, while white knuckling your way to some mirage of an end-point. The other side of which promises happiness—permitted only by the penance of perfection.
You don’t need a new you. You don’t need to rush through the chapter you’re writing or jump to the ending.
You need a way of moving through the year that embraces the whole-you that’s been climbing all along.
If that feels a little daunting, it might be that you’re hiking with an over-stuffed backpack. Here’s a guide to start the unpacking–so you can keep climbing.
Moving into 2026 I invite you to embrace the “unfolding.”
Rather than a list of resolutions, could you plant seeds of discovery?
As you look ahead to the next 12 month ask yourself:
Is there a word / phrase that calls to you?
Can you identify one 2025-accomplishment for yourself? For a loved one?
Where in your life would you like to invite more curiosity?
Tell me your word / phrase for 2026! I read every response and look forward to the unfolding with you!
