2025 in reflection - This is one year that I really would like the power to rewind and start again.

What I learnt

💔 The best people are taken - if only there was a points system for goodness, kindness and laughter that you bring to the world but unfortunately even AI can't fix that.

🎯 I realise that my desire to support people who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disillusioned is right on target. The divide seems to be getting bigger and bigger between people understanding each other in the work place.

➗ The division between the right and the left in thinking across the world is also getting wider. It makes communication with friends, family and colleagues really tricky.

🔎 Everyone is an expert - even if they have never worn the uniform, done the role, or been exposed to the crime. They are experts - and they are judgemental - and they are arseholes. Seeing the horrendous commentary on so many news articles this year - sexual assault, women murdered, the most recent Bondi massacre has shown people want to blame everyone else but the perpetrators.

🌟 I know more than ever that some of the smartest, most insightful people I know are younger than me. I will always try to listen to what they have to say.

🪽 I have realised even more this year that nothing is harder than supporting people going through grief. The loss of someone is one thing - but the visceral grief that you feel for friends who have lost their person is something else. Knowing how to support those left behind is difficult - and people need to learn what NOT to say.

🛫 Being at an airport and taking off on a plane is still one of the happiest places I can be. (Even when one flight went down, back to the start and then back again!)

🥂 We have to celebrate life at every opportunity. For me finding the 'glimmers' whenever I can is what keeps the darkness out - but this year it has got harder and harder. You need to actively look.

😈 People change - or do they? Maybe you just didn't see what was right in front of you. Take note of the famous Maya Angelou quote - "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time"

🫂 Friendships are the secret elixir - family, friends, work colleagues. Life is meant to include people you care about - even if you don't see them for months. If you have lost contact and think its too late to reconnect - it isn't. Make that your new years resolution - reach out and pick up the phone.

💃 Turning 55 makes me braver - which makes managing all of the above even harder - because I don't stay quiet like I used to.

That's my new word for 2026 'Brave'.

I want to wish everyone who has been kind enough to read my ramblings, follow me or connect on LinkedIn the very best Christmas they can have.
For many, this year will be incredibly hard. Sadness will fight for attention. Grief will want to be head of table. I hope there are enough glimmers that help make the day bright and 2026 helps us kick mud in the face of 2025. 🎄 🌅