Things I Learned in 2025 That I’ll Carry Into 2026 (and Beyond)

Every year teaches us something—sometimes gently, sometimes the hard way. As I closed the door on 2025, I found myself reflecting on the lessons that stuck, the ones that reshaped how I think, live, and move forward. These are the things I learned this past year that I’m not leaving behind.

1. Travel More — Even If It’s Close to Home

In 2025, I traveled more than I had in years. Some trips were big—Puerto Rico and Las Vegas. Others were smaller but just as meaningful: Door County weekends, West Palm Beach, a cabin up north just a few hours away, and even a handful of overnight work trips.

What I learned is this: travel doesn’t have to be extravagant to be impactful. Getting away—anywhere—does something good for the soul. It resets your mind, shifts your perspective, and reminds you that life exists beyond your daily routine. We’re not getting any younger, so why do we keep waiting for the “right time”? Make the plan. Take the trip. Go.

2. If You’re Over 40 and Something Feels Off—See Your Doctor

For the longest time, I thought I was “too young” for perimenopause. I brushed off symptoms like brain fog, bloating, stubborn midsection weight gain, night sweats, irritability, and mood swings. Some of these had been part of my life for years, and I just dealt with them—until mild became disruptive to the point of embarrassment.

Finally, I went to the doctor. I was started on Hormone Replacement Therapy at the lowest dose, and I can honestly say I feel like a new woman. Women should not have to suffer. Medicine has evolved, and what our mothers were told decades ago doesn’t necessarily apply today. Take charge of your health. Advocate for yourself. Feeling better is possible.

3. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone (Even When You’re Terrified)

Professionally, I stepped way outside my comfort zone in 2025. I took on a massive project—one I honestly had no business leading. It was overwhelming. There were days I wanted to cry. Days I questioned myself. But I kept going, learned everything I could, and stayed honest with the vendors I worked with.

The growth that came from that experience—personally and professionally—was incredible. Because of the outcome, I was invited to speak on a panel at a major conference about my experience. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort. It happens when you keep moving forward, even when you’re scared.

4. Some People Will Never Change—and That’s Not Your Problem

This one was a hard but freeing lesson. No matter how much effort you put in, some people simply will not change. And that’s on them—not you.

Stop exhausting yourself trying to help someone who shows no effort to help themselves. Even if they’re family. Set boundaries. Give what you reasonably can, for a set amount of time, and then let go. Your peace is worth protecting.

5. Drink Your Greens

I don’t care who you are or how “healthy” you think your lifestyle is—you are likely not getting all the nutrients your gut needs. In 2025, I started drinking greens for the first time in my life, and I will never go back.

Do your research. Look at reputable sources—not just influencer claims. The gut is tied to everything, and when it gets what it needs, many symptoms you’ve just learned to live with can disappear. For those of us in the aging population (yes, I’m including myself), this is more important than ever.

6. Faith Found Me When I Didn’t Know I Needed It

A major world event in 2025 deeply shook me. Watching how people reacted—especially people I loved or considered friends—left me scared, sad, and angry. Regardless of political beliefs, violence over free speech is something I will never accept.

In the midst of all that, I realized something was missing in my life. I’ve always considered myself more of a “universe” person—never believing in God, but never judging those who did. That changed this year. I felt a pull toward faith I couldn’t ignore.

So I signed up for the Bible in 365 program through PROCLAIM, starting January 5, 2026. This step is very much outside my comfort zone—but I’m not doing it alone. Two friends are walking this journey with me, and for the first time in a long time, I feel genuinely excited about what’s ahead.

Carrying It Forward

2025 taught me to move, to advocate for myself, to grow through discomfort, to protect my peace, to care for my body, and to stay open to what life—and faith—might place in my path. Here’s to carrying these lessons into 2026 and beyond.