The Journey Is Not Always Linear!

It is already more than one week into the new year and I am reflective… thinking of the past, plotting out the future, and pausing to enjoy the present—occasionally with a taco in hand. My thoughts seem to be playing hopscotch: one moment I’m reminiscing about years gone by, the next I’m making ambitious plans (like finally learning to fold a fitted sheet properly), and occasionally I trip over moments of uncertainty. The shift from the festive season’s chaos to the gentle hum of routine always feels a bit bittersweet—like finding tinsel in your sock drawer well into March. Memories of laughter and togetherness mingle with quiet moments of introspection.

We’ve spent quality time with our extended family—splashing through sun-drenched beach days, meandering through lively markets, and clocking more hours in the pool with a six year old great-niece than a flock of ducks. The sound of laughter and the warmth of shared meals have filled our days, not to mention the epic debates over who gets the last taco! Now, as our loved ones returned to their homes, life feels quieter; the only lingering chaos is the mountain of laundry and the faint echo of “one, two, three, go!” for races in the pool and ocean! This annual rhythm—gathering and parting—reminds me of the ebb and flow of the ocean tides and life itself. There’s comfort in these rituals, even when the residual ‘tidal wave’ is just a pile of soggy beach towels.

Amidst these moments of connection and joy, I find myself reflecting on life and wondering what’s next. The days spent with loved ones offer both comfort and pause for contemplation; and let’s be honest, a needed break from my iPads’ relentless reminders that “your screen time increased by 32% last week.” During these peaceful spells, I wonder about the year ahead: Will this be the year I try yoga and won’t fall over? The uncertainty of tomorrow is seasoned with hope, curiosity, and a quietly bubbling desire for growth. Every joyful moment is tinged with the awareness that change is always on the horizon, along with a half-written to-do list and the possibility of accidental greatness.

Fulfilling my ever-changing bucket list which includes sorting out priorities and living my “choice, chance, and change” life mantra have become my guiding themes for this new year. More than ever, I feel the need to shape my days intentionally—choosing what matters most, seizing opportunities, and embracing the inevitable changes. Each item on my bucket list is not just an aspiration, but a commitment to making time for dreams, like finally publishing my memoir, or at least writing the first draft.

Determining priorities is an ongoing process—much like sorting out which leftovers in the fridge have not turned into a science experiment. It requires honest reflection on what really resonates, weighing the importance of relationships, ambitions, and personal growth (and maybe finally finishing the Seven Sisters series I started to read last winter). Every decision becomes a chance to realign my actions with what feels authentic and meaningful, even if it means choosing sleep over one more episode of mindless TV.  My mantra, “choice, chance, and change,” reminds me that each choice opens new doors—even if, occasionally, I walk into the closet by mistake. Whether I’m planning adventures with loved ones, chasing fulfilment in writing, or nurturing resilience in the face of uncertainty, I strive to live with intention and a pinch of humour.

This approach feels especially vital as routines settle and the echoes of recent joy linger—reminding me what’s possible when I choose to pursue what matters. By staying true to my priorities and trusting in the transformative power of change, I hope to create a year filled not just with accomplishment, but also with gratitude, and growth. It’s a deeply personal journey—a commitment to living fully, learning from every experience, and welcoming the unexpected (including the uninvited but always welcome neighbourhood cat) with courage and hope.

In these moments, I remember the importance of grounding myself—focusing on the present, finding solace in each breath, and seeking comfort in the kindness that surrounds me (and in the occasional emergency stash of chocolate). The journey isn’t always linear—sometimes it’s more of a zigzag with a few somersaults. But as I reflect on the life we’ve created and the resilience we share, I draw strength from knowing that every challenge shapes us, like the tides shaping the shore. This is the heart of my journey: embracing growth, staying present, and living my best life—even if my best life occasionally involves mismatched socks and questionable dance moves. Together, these intentions—to pursue what matters, stay grounded, and foster compassion—create the foundation of my new year. I’m learning to embrace both the joys and the hiccups, letting each experience teach me, strengthen me, and inspire hope for what lies ahead.

Here’s to a new year filled with laughter, love, adventure—and, most importantly, a reliable supply of  chocolate, wine and, of course, coffee!