Dear Reader,

At the start of each new year, it's a good time to slow down, take stock and look within to begin anew.

In the book Wintering, writer Katherine May reminds us that there are seasons in life—and in the year—meant not for striving, but for slowing down. Wintering is the quiet invitation to rest and reflect. This practice mirrors nature’s wisdom: to pause, gather warmth, and listen inward…knowing that renewal begins in stillness.

I have spent the last few months wintering and reflecting on all the wisdom 2025 brought. The last year stretched me in ways I didn’t expect and it clarified what truly matters. Here are the lessons I’m taking with me into the new year:

• How we show up matters. I learned to lead from my most grounded, resourced self rather than old patterns. That shift changed the quality of my interactions and the impact of my coaching.
• Presence is a leadership skill. The more grounded I became, the more effectively I could listen, coach, create, and lead.
• Boundaries are an act of self-respect. This year, I doubled down on setting clearer, healthier boundaries—protecting my time, energy, and focus.
• Creativity is a strategic asset. Writing, designing programs, and building new offerings reconnected me to purpose and flow.
• Vision creates momentum. I’ve been dreaming up new classes and creative projects that I’ll be developing in the year ahead. The seeds are planted.

What lessons are you taking with you into the new year?

ON MY BLOG

In this timeless blog post, I share my approach to creating a vision board—a powerful way to pause, reflect, and consciously shape what’s next. Whether you’re new to vision boards or revisiting the practice, this post offers a grounded, mindful way to create something that inspires and guides you all year long.

Last Sunday, I hosted my annual Visioning Party with a group of close friends. Sharing reflections, naming intentions for what’s ahead, and collectively creating can be deeply nourishing. So, if possible, do your vision boards in the company of people who can inspire and keep you accountable.

INSPIRED THINKING

When I made my 2026 vision board, one image stopped me: a group of women riding down an escalator, making silly faces and laughing freely. I wanted to jump into the photo and express that same unfiltered, magnetic joy. It reminded me how powerful it is to embrace silliness.

There was a time I couldn’t do that. I was an executive. A professional. Play felt risky. Then I took an improv class. On the first night, we stood in a circle doing movement exercises. My mind raced. My body felt stiff. When it was my turn, I wanted to hide. But pushed through the fear and stepped into the center; I copied the person before me, then added my own move before passing the spotlight to someone else. I felt painfully self-conscious and awkward.

Week by week, I loosened. I laughed at myself. I felt more embodied, more alive. I realized the creativity and courage I was craving didn’t come from control or perfection. They came from presence, curiosity, and a willingness to step into the unknown—even if it looked a little silly.

What invites more play, aliveness, and joy into your life and leadership? In the year ahead, look for those escalator moments. Sometimes the most powerful way forward is letting yourself show up fully—imperfect and vibrant.

CREATIVE MUSINGS

Lately, I’ve been nesting—rewatching the movies I loved growing up. One of my all-time favorites is The Sound of Music (1965), the story of Maria, played by Julie Andrews, who is sent from her abbey to become the governess to seven children. Through her warmth and spirit, she wins the hearts of the children—and eventually their reserved, Naval officer father.

There’s a pivotal moment when Maria returns to the abbey after leaving the von Trapp family, conflicted and confused by her feelings for the Captain. When Maria confesses her love for the Captain to the Mother Abbess, she expects guidance that will quiet her heart. Instead, she receives something far braver.

The Mother Abbess reminds Maria that love is real, powerful, and part of being alive—and that if her feelings are genuine, she must not be afraid of them. Her message is simple and profound: follow your heart. She urges Maria to return to the family she has come to love, face the Captain, and trust what her heart is already telling her.

As a coach, this advice continues to resonate deeply. There is immense wisdom within us. When we slow down enough to listen—to feel our feelings, even when they are uncomfortable, new, or frightening—we often discover that our hearts already know the way forward.

REFLECTION

One of the songs from The Sound of Music stands out as a gentle practice for all of us. When a thunderstorm rages outside and the von Trapp children are frightened, Maria soothes them by naming what she loves in the song—My Favorite Things.

“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things.”

Grounding in simple pleasures can calm even the loudest storms. My own list would include: a warm latte with a pecan sticky bun, a writing retreat on the Oregon coast, a quiet walk through the forest. Now it’s your turn: what are your favorite things?

CLOSING NOTE

If you’re ready to bring your vision to life and want support along the way, I invite you to schedule a discovery call. We can explore how coaching might help you move forward with greater clarity and ease. You don’t have to do it alone.

Thank you for being here. If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore in a future issue, I’d love to hear from you. If we’re not yet connected on LinkedIn, connect with me here. As you step into the new year, remember to slow down, stay present, and savor each moment.

With appreciation,

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