As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on a year that challenged me, inspired me, and ultimately reminded me what it means to flourish, even in uncertainty.
This year has been a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and self-discovery, and I want to share some of the key lessons I’ve carried forward.
Embracing Change and Career Pivots
This year brought an unexpected career pivot amid a layoff. It brought big decisions that shook my sense of stability. At times, I felt unmoored, uncertain, and even doubted my own path. But 2025 reminded me that flourishing isn’t about certainty. It’s about showing up fully, even in discomfort.
I learned that:
- A pivot isn’t a setback. It’s an opportunity to align with what truly matters.
- Saying “no” to opportunities that don’t fit your purpose can be one of the bravest moves you make.
- Community is everything. Mentors, colleagues, friends, and family anchor us when the ground shifts beneath our feet.
Change is uncomfortable, yes. But leaning into it with intention creates space for growth. Losing a role or stepping away from a familiar path doesn’t mean losing your worth; often, it’s the first step toward flourishing in ways you never expected.
Rediscovering the Joy of Writing
Amid professional uncertainty, I found my way back to writing. A passion that had always fueled me but one that had also been in the rearview for many, many years. Contributing to Joy Unleashed, which became a #1 bestseller, reminded me of the power of creativity and joy.
This experience taught me that:
- Joy isn’t something you find. It’s something you unleash.
- Creativity flourishes when we give ourselves permission to play and explore.
- Collaboration opens doors and builds connections that extend beyond the work itself.
Flourishing doesn’t always look grand or dramatic; sometimes it shows up as quiet joy, meaningful contribution, and the courage to create.
The Power of a Sabbatical
One of the most transformative decisions I made this year was taking a soul-searching sabbatical or, as I termed it, a soulbbatical. Pausing felt radical, however, it allowed me to:
- Reconnect with what truly fuels me.
- Reflect without deadlines or pressure.
- Return with renewed clarity, energy, and purpose.
Rest and reflection were not detours. They were essential to my flourishing. Taking the time to step back can bring me closer to the path I was meant to walk all along.
Redefining Leadership
This year reminded me that leadership is not about titles or accolades. What really matters is how we show up, especially when circumstances are challenging.
Key lessons in flourishing as a leader included:
- Leading with empathy. People remember how you make them feel.
- Extending grace to yourself and others.
- Embracing detours and setbacks as opportunities to grow and learn.
The leaders we become in hard seasons are the ones who leave a lasting impact.
Carrying Lessons Forward
As I look ahead to 2026, I’m carrying forward the lessons and experiences of this year:
- The courage to pivot when needed.
- The joy of creation and meaningful contribution.
- The power of pause and reflection.
- Leading with empathy and grace.
2025 was a year that challenged me, stretched me, and ultimately reminded me that flourishing is a choice. It is a commitment to grow, create, rest, and lead with humanity.
While the year didn’t go according to plan, it gave me exactly what I needed to thrive in ways I couldn’t have anticipated.
Happy Holidays to all! I will be back in 2026 to share my word of the year and next steps in my journey.
Cheers! MLS