So, we’re about to turn over the calendar to a new year. And 2025 was…a lot #whew. While it’s tradition to celebrate a new year on January 1, I tend to wait until spring to mark the new year (not surprising, since I’m an Aries).
There is one tradition I follow faithfully*. December 31st is my day of deep cleaning, since I don’t like to carry 2025 “dirt” into 2026. So, even though I’m taking PTO today, it’s far from a day “off.” (Not on the list ‘cos I did it Sunday night: Clean out the pantry. And cleaned out the fridge/freezer last night, so that’s a couple of big jobs checked off!)
Before I tackle the rest of this list, I’m finishing off this morning’s coffee and breakfast smoothie while reflecting on The Year That Was. I don’t have much in the way of a “highlight reel,” since most of what I accomplished was done alone.**
Quiet, Please
One thing that I needed in 2025 was quiet. Returning to my daily meditation practice and walks along the greenway, I invited stillness in every day. Of course, it’s nearly impossible to meditate without feline assistance (Clancy just cannot let a lap go unsnuggled). My Boys are getting older and life is really so fragile, so I treasure these moments.
I ended roles and relationships that were misaligned but that I had clung to for far too long, again mislabeling stagnation as stability. It was incredibly uncomfortable at first, but it’s a relief now to not feel my body tense up every time a new email or text notification pings. I will continue to edit how and where I give my energy in 2026, as I master handling the discomfort of releasing what doesn’t work so I can build the life I’ve been dreaming about since I was a child.
Listen to the Band
One thing that I added back into my life this year is music. From reconnecting with old favorites like the Dharma Bums to getting back out to live shows (The Minus 5 / The Baseball Project was hella fun!), it’s been nice to have a soundtrack in my life again. I’m looking forward to seeing more live music in the new year.
Exploration and Expansion
One thing that will not be going away is my (almost) daily walks. Unfortunately, November’s illness derailed my progress and I’m still trying to get my body back in rhythm, but when I get outside, I’m loving the magic of the changing seasons along the greenway. I’ve met some really amazing dogs (and their people) and I feel so much more alive when I spend time in nature. I intend to expand to longer hikes around the local parks and trails in 2026 and also take more trips to the beach and mountains. There’s much to explore.
I’m also feeling a very Six of Cups-ish kind of pull. I’m not sure where that will lead me, but it will be interesting to find out.
But before all that can happen, I need to get back to deep cleaning the apartment. Whenever YOU celebrate it, I wish you a peaceful, happy new year!***
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*I’ll also enjoy a vegan Hoppin’ John on New Year’s Day. The black-eye peas are cooking in the Instant Pot as I type, so they’ll be ready to go tomorrow.
**And while navigating the corrupt shit show happening in our government right now.
***For those of you who are having big, heavy emotions right now and don’t have the energy for celebration, just let 2025 quietly dissolve into 2026. You don’t owe anyone a performance, but you do owe yourself peace.