The space between Christmas and New Year has always felt odd to me. Like I’m in limbo. I can’t quite close the door on 2025 or step into 2026. It’s the space between what’s been experienced and what may be asked of us. 

As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself less interested in resolutions and more curious about what this year has actually taught me. I changed my social media banners to the photo below because this is how I feel. Like I’ve organically shed so many things I’d unknowingly latched onto and am standing in front of a beautiful new beginning. A sunrise capable of taking me anywhere.

I’m going to be transparent: I haven’t achieved what I set out to in January this year with Storytelling for the Soul. Upon reflection, as I write this in December, I can see why things have unfolded as they have. All year, I’ve been trying to build something that doesn’t give me enough time to do what I genuinely love: write articles like this one. This acts as the perfect segway into the 5 lessons I’m carrying into 2026.

Lesson 1: Writing is a non-negotiable form of self-expression for me

I experienced a revelatory truth bomb during a business session in November. I spoke my uncensored truth and said if I could wave my magic wand, I’d figure out how to monetise my writing. In that moment, I realised how far I’ve drifted away from my soul work. 

I spent the next few days beating myself up over what felt like another wasted year. In 2025, I’ve spent so much time doing all kinds of things, like building an Instagram channel and recording videos. All worthy pursuits that have forced me out of my comfort zone. The problem is that, until the final two months of the year, spending so much time elsewhere has left me without time to write.

Writing is like breathing for me. I need to write. When I’m writing, everything else in my world becomes manageable. When I’m not writing, I feel like the scattered pieces of a jigsaw puzzle destined to lie sprawled across the floor forever. When I’m not writing from my soul, it turns out I’m a hot mess.

If you are interested in how journaling may be able to benefit you, especially if you are interested in healing, listen to the podcast I've included below.

Lesson 2: I’m responsible for creating and maintaining my boundaries

I’ve made some poor creative judgement calls over the last few years. There, I said it.

There are times when I feel so passionate about projects that I don’t act or think logically. Like failing to protect myself and ensure I’m paid for creative work so that if projects fall through, I’m not left with nothing to show for hours and years of work. In recent times, I’ve realised it’s my responsibility to set the boundaries.

If you engage in any creative work, I offer this advice: do not work for free. It doesn’t matter what the project is. Sure, the stars may align, and you may get rewarded eventually. In my experience, there’s a greater chance of projects falling through, and regardless of the reasons, you end up with nothing to show for the time, effort, and energy you put into them.

One of the clearest lessons 2025 offered me was around the value of my work and energy. I learned that offering my time, insight, or emotional labour for free—even with the best of intentions—is no longer an option. I’ve spoken with several female business owners about this, and it turns out I’m not alone. We often work for free, and it’s time we put a line in the sand.

Lesson 3: There’s no embarrassment in pivoting as many times as needed

Perhaps the most liberating lesson of 2025 was this: I don’t owe anyone consistency at the expense of my becoming. I don’t need a permission slip to pivot as many times as I need to.

I must admit, I’ve often felt embarrassed by how many times I’ve changed direction with Storytelling for the Soul, but so what? If I were driving and realised the route I was on wasn’t getting me closer to my destination, I would do a U-turn or change my route accordingly. It may feel like we’re locked into certain situations, but when we put our pride and ego aside, we always have the choice to change.

2025 taught me that growth doesn’t always come with a neat narrative. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it’s unclear. Sometimes it can’t be articulated yet. I have to trust myself enough to be guided by my intuition—even if the rest of the world can’t understand what I believe is my best next step. I've included my podcast episode about pivoting below.

I feel this quote from James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, speaks volumes:

"When things don't go well, it's easy to wonder, "Why me?" It's easy to point fingers. It's easy to wallow in frustration or defeat. But it is also easy to ask, "What is this teaching me?"

Lesson 4: Meaningful connections are more important to me than ever

We don’t need many friends in life. We need a few genuine people in our corner to help us ride the inevitable ups and downs. We all learn the hard way that some people’s presence in our lives disappears once they have nothing more to gain from the connection. The truth is, friendships do change in adulthood.

In the space between this year and the next, I find myself being so grateful for the few people who offer me nothing but support. They are often the people who let me explore whatever I need to and wait for me to return to earth—almost like a boomerang. On the flipside, I value being a good friend. I may not always get it right, but I do my best. The connections I choose to invest in moving forward are the ones that will carry me with integrity, joy, and support into 2026.

Lesson 5: I’m capable of holding multiple truths

2025 has often forced me to sit with complexity without needing to resolve anything immediately. I can feel joy and grief at the same time, be excited for what’s ahead while grieving what’s behind, or respect someone deeply while protecting my own boundaries. Life isn’t black and white. I embrace all the messiness that comes with being human. It may feel like I’m starting again with Storytelling for the Soul, but in reality, I’m not. I have 10 years of business experience and 38 years of life experience. I’m excited about what’s ahead in 2026. 

The way forward

I’m not entering 2026 with a list of resolutions. I’m entering with lessons — lived, embodied, and still unfolding.

This space between years is not a gap to rush through. It’s a threshold. One that asks us to pause, reflect, and choose what we carry forward and what we leave behind.

These are the lessons I’m bringing with me, not as rules, but as reminders.

What lessons are you taking into 2026 and beyond?

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