2025 Reflections
As we round out 2025, I find myself — like many others — reflecting on the year behind me.
What lessons did I learn?
What am I okay to leave in 2025?
And what do I want to carry forward with me into 2026?
Among all the thoughts swirling through my mind, one thing stands out most clearly. I’m sure there will be future posts about all the other lessons, but for tonight, I want to reflect on the moment that reminded me who I am.
The Exercise: Defining Paradise
Earlier this year, as part of an exercise in my coach training program, we were asked to envision what our paradise looked like.
We had to describe it using prompts like:
- I see …
- I hear …
- I taste …
- I smell …
- I feel …
- The universe is …
(Feel free to fill in your own answers before reading further! 😊)
At first, I didn’t know how to answer. I realized I’d never truly stopped to think about what paradise looked like for me. My first instinct was to describe the typical picture — white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, maybe even a few sharks (for those of you who know my love of sharks, of course!).
But then I paused.
Instead of writing what I thought I was supposed to say, I asked myself:
Outside of Heavenly paradise — when I someday get to stand face-to-face with my Savior — what would paradise on earth look like for me?
So, stepping away from my compliant side that wanted to give the “expected” answer, I wrote what my heart actually felt.
My Paradise
I SEE … the people dearest to me.
I HEAR … laughter and praise music in the background.
I TASTE … the food from Grandma’s Thanksgiving table, rich with warm memories of Grandpa’s gratitude tradition.
I SMELL … Christmas, a time that reminds me of my faith.
I FEEL … a bear hug from my nephew, Colton.
The universe is … exactly as it should be in this moment.
The Twist
Then came the twist — the one that stopped me in my tracks and became one of the most significant personal moments of 2025.
We were asked to go back and replace the beginning of each statement with the words “I AM.”
I AM My Paradise
I AM … the people dearest to me.
I AM … laughter and praise music in the background.
I AM … the food from Grandma’s Thanksgiving table, rich with warm memories of Grandpa’s gratitude tradition.
I AM … Christmas, a time that reminds me of my faith.
I AM … a bear hug from my nephew, Colton.
I AM … exactly as [I] should be in this moment.
The Realization
As I finished reading those words back, I could hardly catch my breath.
My paradise wasn’t something external — it was a reflection of me.
It was made up of the moments, people, and values that have shaped my story.
That realization shook me to my core.
Looking Back – and Forward
As I look back on 2025, my mind floods with lessons about leadership, coaching, friendship, hurt, perseverance, faith, and courage — so many beautiful, messy, meaningful things.
But at the core of it all is this truth:
No matter what life brings, my value is in my story.
Your Turn
As you reflect on your own 2025, take a moment to ask yourself:
What experiences reminded you of who you are?
What story do you want to carry with you into 2026?
Normally, I’d end by reminding you how coaching can help with self-awareness, discovery, and momentum. But tonight, I’ll leave you with something simpler:
✨ Take time to discover not only what your paradise looks like, but who you are as you stand in the middle of it. ✨