Who Knew A Do-Si-Do Could Do That?

Yesterday, my partner and I spent a few hours reflecting on 2025.

(He’s a social worker and I’m a coach, so that’s just how we do. 🌀)

When I did a similar exercise with my coach earlier this year, I felt stuck — believing I hadn’t accomplished as much as I’d hoped, and feeling discouraged and scared.

But when I slowed down yesterday — really slowed down to do this structured reflection — I could see how essential this year has been in ways that matter just as much as an obvious “win.”

It’s been just over four years since I left my full-time job and started this business.

Those early years felt full of momentum: writing and publishing my book 📘, investing in my coaching business, giving my first keynote 🎤, winning an award for my work.

Some journeys begin with a burst of energy.

Some begin more tentatively.

But all creative journeys include periods of darkness. 

Mine included:

🌑 Launches that didn’t land.

🌑 Grief that needed tending.

🌑 Bookings that fell through.

🌑 Financial goals unmet.

Those trials were hard — but they also had a purpose.

As I reflected, I re-membered how intentionally I served myself while wandering through the darkness.

Instead of walking alone, I made some very brave choices. 

✨I committed to showing up in new creative spaces.

✨To engaging with like-minded communities.

✨To traveling again — on my own and with my kids. 

I doubled down on those choices, even when they felt risky.

And now, having resourced (and challenged) myself in those ways, I can feel something shifting.

My aperture is widening. 

I can see that in some ways I’ve still been riding a line of comfort — and that there’s an edge beyond it I’m finally able to glimpse.

It hasn’t fully taken shape yet, but the outlines are starting to come into view. 

We went dancing this New Year’s Eve — up in the Catskill Mountains.

It was my first time contra-dancing — who knew a do-si-do could be such fun! 🎶

On the drive to the dance, my partner said that if we hadn’t already paid for our spot, he might have let his anxiety convince him to suggest an alternate plan — something more familiar.

So human, right?

This time of year invites us to cast anchors into the future — small commitments that remind us there is a part of us that wants to feel alive. 

Dancing into the new year felt like one of those anchors.

Arriving at the venue felt weird-awkward for a few seconds.

🔥And then it felt exhilarating.

As much as we want to rack up accomplishments we know we can achieve, there is just as much value in the unknown — in those small, scary, exhilarating experiences that light our way. 

I’m deeply grateful for this community of artists, creators, arts workers, and creative thought-leaders — for the way you give meaning to creativity and to the courageous journey itself. 🎨

And you, my dear creator,

What surprised you most about your 2025?

What small-but-mighty choice might you make to light your way in 2026?