December 31, 2025. The last day of this … well … year.

I closed out 2024 with this post. My daughter shared with me that 2025 was a WTF year because the first three days were a Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. She also shared that the last time we had a WTF year was 2020.

I’m not sure about you, but 2025 challenged me in every way I could possibly imagine … and then some.

Health issues, family issues, work issues, anxiety issues, and confidence issues … all laced with fear, pain, disgust, annoyance, tears, despair, and more tears… 2025 was definitely something.

I’ve been reflecting A LOT on this year; how I hoped it would have gone when I wrote that post a year ago, to how it actually went, and everything in between.

And here’s what I know:

1. Planning is crucial. This means planning for the days when everything goes well, and for the days when it doesn’t.
2. The only one who can make my goals happen is me. No one can want it more than I can.
3. Sometimes, the only thing left to say is I’m sorry. Because those are the only words that will help the healing process toward peace.
4. Grieving is a natural part of life. Feeling your emotions is healing; bottling them up is not.
5. Advanced math is hard. And when you believe you can do something hard and give yourself the space to do it, you can get it done. (“I cry a lot, but I am so productive, it’s an art.”)
6. The time will pass anyway. It’s the small choices you make every day that will help you do the things you want to do.
7. Motivation is a myth. Learn from James Clear here.
8. You are a product of your environment. Whether that’s physical, emotional, or mental, your spaces matter. Surround yourself with the people, ideas, and energy that you want to cultivate for yourself. Be discerning.
9. Movement is life. I need movement like I need air to breathe. There’s still nothing better for me than “The Class”* to really move those stuck feelings out.
10. I am stronger than I think. I started January 2025 with a strength workout where I lifted a total of 3,325 lbs. I lifted 8,040 in my last workout.
11. “Fall in love with boring.” This one comes from my coach, Cathy Morton. And the idea seems further supported by my newest Audible addition, “The Unexpected Joy of Ordinary” by Catherine Gray.
12. Keep trying until you find the thing that sticks. I’ve tried it all (or at least it feels like it sometimes). The only way to figure out what works best for you is to try things out. Don’t be afraid to try something and learn that it isn’t for you; that’s not a failure, that’s wisdom. Once you find what works, stick to it.
13. Clutter is cluttering. Working through this one right now in many ways. Find what works and let go of the rest. Even cleaning out one drawer in your space will make you feel lighter!

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Amidst all the chaos, though, there were many smiles, hugs, giggles, belly laughs, and beautiful memories made. These moments were my anchors. Thank you to everyone who supported me this year.

And a real stunner? Seeing the Northern Lights for the first time in my life on 11/11 in my front yard. Wow.

I’m sure there are many more lessons and pieces of wisdom that I gained from this year that are not part of this list yet. And even though this year tested me to no end, I am grateful for everything I went through and, most importantly, what I am learning from those experiences.

With that said, 2026, can you be a bit less WTF, please? 🙂

Wishing you and yours a very happy New Year!

In awe of you,

Gabriela

*The Class is a movement experience unlike any other. Yes, you do jumping jacks and burpees, but you also move energy and clear sh*t it out like no other cardio-based workout I know. If you want to try it out, here’s 30 days free. Use this unique link to experience The Class.