16 Jan 2025 – good or bad?
As the calendar turns and we step into a new year, I find myself pausing to look back—not just at the big milestones, but at the everyday moments that shaped my journey. 2025, like most years, was a patchwork of challenges, triumphs, and unexpected lessons. Before I set my sights on what’s next, I wanted to share a few of the experiences that made this past year uniquely mine.
Here’s some of my highs and lows from 2025 – in no particular order…
- Grateful that our main road to town is now open – over 2 years later. (Note to self – time to stop being a hermit!)
- Panellist at a conference – scary and fun all at the same time. The magic undies story resonated well.
- Got covid (again!).
- Adapted to my husband’ retirement – no hardship there – the provision of cups of tea and lunch are appreciated.
- Survived 2 gut-buster hill farm walks with my accountant buddy Heidi. Having support made all the difference!
- Most interesting client conversation ever – letting me know he would likely receive a custodial sentence (he did) and could we plan ahead for his business and tax…
- Thoroughly enjoyed delivering a variety of mentoring sessions, workshops, and webinars on all things business. I get so many new ideas from these – favourite part of my job!
- Lost one of my favourite clients who died with Parkinson’s. It’s been an honour and a privilege. Rest in peace Dave.
- Awed and impressed with the second half of THAT test match between the Springboks and All Blacks. Appreciating my South African connection.
- Not sure what to make of our two cats effort early one morning with the presentation of 3 dead rabbits on our bedroom carpet. Does missing a head earn bonus points?
- Implementing Memtime – biggest gamechanger for a work-related tool since I learnt how to do a pivot table!
- Fired a client who was a repeat offender at not providing information and had misleaded me on legal aspects for a new business acquisition – instant relief!
- Harvesting my first ever home-grown strawberries.
- Hitting 90% tax filing by end of December – best result ever!
- Navigated a plethora of family and personal challenges with people I love having a variety of health issues, some terminal. Glad I have a flexible job so I can juggle things. Humbling to sit and chat with my friend Tony and reflect on his extraordinary life that is now coming to a close.
- Loved spending time with my black lab Diesel – he makes me laugh every single day. (Great reminder not to take things too seriously.)
- Discovering the SkyView app – looking forward to learning more about the stars – and getting the grandkids to do the same.
- Making time to try new recipes for Xmas. The mini pavs with plum and rhubarb topping were a hit!
- Hosting an online chair yoga session as a fundraiser for the Mental Health Foundation. It was fantastic – thanks Mel!
Taking the time to reflect on the past twelve months, I realised that even in a year that felt challenging at first glance, there were countless moments of joy as well as growth. What happens when you take a look at your 2025? Pause and notice your own moments – big or small – you might be surprised with what you find. Here’s to embracing the new year with curiosity, gratitude, and a willingness to find the good, even in the unexpected.
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language, and next year’s words await another voice.”
T.S. Eliot