Insights to Illuminate the Journey: Celebrating Growth and Welcoming 2025

Insights to Illuminate the Journey: Celebrating Growth and Welcoming 2025
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As the final hours of the year unfold, there’s a certain magic in the air—a blend of nostalgia, gratitude, and anticipation. It’s a time when the threads of experience weave together, offering insights that light the path forward. This year, like every other, has been a mosaic of challenges and triumphs, of lessons learned and moments cherished.

Here are the reflections that resonate most deeply, shaped by the past year and inspired by the wisdom of others:

  1. How you love, give, and suffer defines you: These facets form the core of who you are. After two weeks of battling the flu, the priceless value of health and the comfort of a caring family have never been clearer.
  2. Every effort is eventually rewarded: Disappointments often become the stepping stones to new opportunities. Making space for fresh insights can transform setbacks into breakthroughs.
  3. Unself: Letting go of excessive self-focus opens the door to wonder and personal growth. It’s a reminder to keep our hearts and minds outwardly oriented.
  4. Outgrow yourself: Growth never ends. As we launch the next cohort of Boards Oversight of Sustainability this January, the excitement of engaging with passionate board members underscores the joy of continuous evolution.
  5. Choose joy: Even in the darkest moments, seek out the light. It may be faint, but it’s always there, waiting to guide you.
  6. Forgiveness strengthens relationships: We’re all doing our best. Forgiving others—and ourselves—fosters connection and healing.
  7. There are infinitely many ways to live a beautiful life: This year, new paths have emerged, especially through my exploration of art via Novisali. I’m thrilled to announce a physical exhibition in March!
  8. Question your maps and models of the universe: Reassessing our understanding helps us move closer to peace and solutions. How can we create insights that truly make a difference?
  9. Fight cynicism: Human potential is remarkable, and we stand on the brink of extraordinary advancements. Believing in the best of humanity fuels progress.
  10. Don’t be afraid to be an idealist: Uplifting others and contributing positively to culture is a powerful force. Every effort counts.
  11. Seek out what magnifies your spirit: Surrounding myself with inspiring friends and professional collaborations has been a highlight. This New Year’s Eve, we’ll celebrate with a vibrant mix of friends, some of whom we’ve cherished for over 45 years.
  12. Expect anything worthwhile to take a long time: Patience, though not my strong suit, remains a crucial practice. Reflecting on this reminds me of the value in waiting.
  13. Presence is more rewarding than productivity: Being fully present, here and now, enriches life immeasurably.
  14. Build pockets of stillness into your life: Stillness brings clarity and peace. Our Balanced Bridge program, which concludes on January 31, has provided many with this gift—and it’s free for all to join.
  15. Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity: Listening more deeply, more intentionally, transforms relationships.
  16. See the world as it is, not as you wish it to be: Striving to understand the reality around us helps us navigate life with wisdom.
  17. All creative work is the result of collaboration: Innovation thrives on shared efforts. I’m grateful for my creative colleagues and the support of my Aquarelle friends.
  18. The universe is in constant flux: Change is the essence of growth, and embracing it leads to new beginnings.

As we close this chapter and welcome a new one, I extend my warmest thanks to my family, friends, and colleagues for making this year so meaningful.

Here’s to an amazing, peaceful 2025 for us all!

For inspiration, revisit the inspirational post:


And for my reflections on the year gone by: