Saying farewell to 2025

I spent the closing days of 2024 well aware that the coming year would be scary, weird and unpredictable. I regret the number of ways I was right. So I think a computer-generated picture of someone who sort of looks like me, staring off into something that sort of looks like a sunset, is the perfect image to send off my final newsletter of the year.

"Pretty good despite the state of the world," is my stock answer these days whenever someone asks me how I'm doing. I'm doing my best to stay positive amid all of the uncertainty, and I'm recognizing the privilege that comes with being able to separate myself from current events at least to a degree.

Peaceful Direction and I did have a pretty good year. A few highlights:

• Joined the instructional faculty at Georgetown University, where I earned my own coaching certificate

• Facilitated gatherings of leaders in Missouri, Ohio, Virginia and DC

• Supported 17 clients through different stages of career transition

• Earned my Certified Professional Retirement Coach badge (more on that below)

• Reached 2,500 lifetime hours of coaching, by reconnecting for a session with the first client I ever had

• Took roughly 6 weeks of vacation, during which I did not work

• Continued my practice of not working Tuesday or Thursday mornings, so I can exercise, create and learn 

Next year is what I'm calling my "jubilee year" because I'm days away from turning 50. I'm looking forward to some new experiences, and specifically experiences that will push my comfort zone because I've never done them before. Of course, this also means I'm not going to excel at them when I start! These include:

• A lesson on a pottery wheel

• A flying lesson

• Pursuing my Master Certified Coach (MCC) credential, the highest in my field. This is a process that will take most of the year.

None of these achievements, or the upcoming sloppy attempts, would be possible without all of you supporting my work. I remain ever so grateful.

What's captivating your attention for 2026? I'd love to hear about it, and to help if I can.