As we stand at the very beginning of a new year, I’ve been thinking a lot about how anxious achievers close chapters.

Not always with fireworks.
Not always with clean bows.
But often with exhaustion, worry if we've done “enough,” and a quiet pressure to “do better/more next time.”

I want to offer something different today.

A Gentle Pause (before you rush forward into 2026)

Before we talk about goals, resolutions, or momentum as we head into 2026, I want to invite you into closure with compassion, grace, and gentleness (i.e. self compassion).

Here are a few reflection prompts you might sit with this weekend:

What did this year cost me emotionally… not just practically?
Where did I show emotional endurance, even when it went unnoticed (by myself, by others)?
What am I proud of that I haven’t given myself credit for yet?
What am I ready to release, not because I failed, but because I’ve grown?
What would it look like to move into the next season with less force and more trust?

You don’t need perfect answers.
You just need honesty with yourself.

What's Next

One of the themes I’m carrying with me into this year is emotional endurance.

Not emotional toughness.
Not brute force.
Not pushing through at all costs.

But emotional endurance.

For me, that looks like:

Staying calm under pressure and (real) stress
Bouncing back from setbacks without internalizing them as personal failures
Maintaining focus on long-term goals despite short-term stress (and daily demands)
Holding space for emotions (mine and others’) without becoming overwhelmed (or people pleasing)
Practicing patience (and slow) instead of urgency (I call this: practicing the pause.)
Setting boundaries to preserve mental energy
Choosing persistence over perfection (i.e. just keep swimming)
Responding instead of reacting
Sustaining empathy even when I’m stretched
Turning reflection into action… without ruminating endlessly and even if it's messy action (which it most often is messy)

My challenge for the year ahead is simple:

Build emotional endurance.

(I shared more on this recently on LinkedIn, if you’d like to read that reflection as well.)

What This Past Year Taught Me

As another year closes, I’ve also been reflecting on what 2025 actually taught me.

A few lessons I’m carrying forward:

Clear, timely communication prevents unnecessary harm
Closed doors are often divine pruning
Saying no almost always protects what matters most
Consistency outperforms perfection every time
Reflection fuels alignment, and course correction

This year also gave me something deeply personal:

I wrote my first book.

That process reminded me that the work we create (the words and stories we risk sharing) matters.

Writing this book gave me life (starting 3 months postpartum), and I can’t wait to share more with you (very) soon.

If You’re Craving Clarity in 2026 (for you or your relationship)

If this reflection is stirring a desire for clarity (personally or relationally) I want to point you to a resource my therapist husband, RJ, and I created over the past few years for moments like this.

Our Couples Vision Retreat Challenge is designed to help you and your partner:

➜ Reflect with intention
➜ Name your goals, hopes, fears, desires
➜ Clarify what you’re building in the new year… together or individually

It's purpose is to get crystal clear on your shared vision for your life.

You can read more about it here and download or purchase our expanded 29-page vision retreat workbook:
➜ Personal Vision Retreat (for singles or to complete solo)
➜ Couples Vision Retreat

A Personal Ask

If any of my writing resonates with you… if you've been a beloved reader since 2021… I’d love for you to share my blog or newsletter with someone who might benefit.

This community grows best through trust, not algorithms.

One of my goals for 2026 is VISIBILITY.

I intend to share more help tools and reflections in my weekly newsletter and on my Blog in addition to LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok (yes, I'm making a comeback).

And one final insider note:
➜ My debut book is set to release April 21, 2026

(This is not a drill.)

➜ Pre-orders are now live on my website (I can't believe I'm typing that!)
➜ The cover and title will be revealed in January!

Thank you for being here, for reflecting deeply, and for growing gently… together.

Here's to 2026.

I speak to leaders, parents, and (small and large) organizations about emotional endurance, work-life blend, high-functioning anxiety, and sustainable leadership.

If this reflection resonates with your team or community, you can learn more about bringing this work to your organization here:

BOOK ME TO SPEAK

Thanks for reading! Want more writings and resources?

Here are a few blog posts you might enjoy:

001. Read me if you want more vision casting tips and tools

002. Read me if you're struggling with anxiety

003. Pre-order my debut book now!

004. Join the weekly newsletter for resources, essays, and encouragement.

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health concerns and before starting or stopping therapies. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct professional advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.