These are fantastic insights. I agree with them all... except maybe the song but we can disagree on that one. Thank you for sharing your brilliance with us 😍
LOL about the song, Trevy! Thank you for stopping by. I imagine you have insightful takeaways from this year as well - you always do in your writings. Cheers!
Your second point is particularly resonant with me. Even though we can profess to have such and such a principle, how many of us will stick to those same principles when under pressure to act against them? This is something we can all do with improving on.
It's a very conscious moment, I think, when it happens — when we choose to turn away from our principles or values because of fear or all kinds of reasons. We can't say it's accidental or "I wasn't thinking"... I've come to believe it's one of the most deliberate choices we make. Happy holidays, Alex!
What a great idea to record key reflections each year. I have to say, many of yours will be mine, as well, with only minor adjustments (my internal girl is younger!)...
Lou, I love this quote: "We do not learn from experience,” said American philosopher John Dewey. “We learn from reflecting on experience.” Your 2025 lessons resonate. They constitute wise advice to carry into the New Year. Thank you! I appreciate you and wish you the best for the holidays and the coming year.
Great list, Lou. I am just starting my year end reflection
, so nothing to share yet. My favourite insight from yours was the last bullet. I’m a big believer in individual rhythms and that it’s not always about slow.
I'll just adopt your list...you've obviously gained some wisdom over the years (and cheers for being willing to share it). What I learned? It's the journey not the destination...process over outcomes. And, it's important to be someone who keeps her commitments.
Hah! Thanks, Kaarin! 😇 That thing about process over outcomes is one of those "lessons" I mentioned that have to keep (re)learning every year! I keep having to take a remedial class..
I'm writing a post about gratitude that draws on Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, which he began with a detailed list of people and the specific virtues and lessons he was grateful to have learned from them. So, what I'm learning is to spend more time thinking about the chain of events that come before all that I have to be grateful for. Doing it in hopes of creating a path to de-numbing ourselves to this year of passivity.
That's one of the things I love about his journaling (and the book). That he spent that time writing about the people he has learned from. It's such a great practice. Cheers, Flavia.
Your list of learnings is profoundly wise and wonderfully human, Lou. Thanks for sharing them and being your authentic, wry and knowing self!
My biggest learning this year has been simple: nurture my connections with family, friends and colleagues. I tend to be solitary and I suck at asking for help. But this year has taught me how much my community--human and wild--matters to me at many levels. And also how much good simply nurturing the ties that hold us together can do in a chaotic and frankly terrifying time. Blessings to you!
I learned something simple, but monumental to me this year. It's ok to serve mankind in smaller ways -- making a dish for a funeral dinner, giving a struggling actor a pat on the back, donating a microwave to the Sr. Center. I don't always have to be organizing a huge fundraiser, starting a new hands-on program for children, heading up a county-wide petition drive to make a difference in the world. It's ok to step back and be an encourager of the younger crowd. I like the slower pace.
I appreciate this perspective, Jan. I'm currently reading a book (How to Begin) and one of the things it talks about is this idea of a "worthy goal". And it's echoing what you said. Thank you for sharing your key takeaway. Cheers!
These are fantastic insights. I agree with them all... except maybe the song but we can disagree on that one. Thank you for sharing your brilliance with us 😍
LOL about the song, Trevy! Thank you for stopping by. I imagine you have insightful takeaways from this year as well - you always do in your writings. Cheers!
Great list. You’re right about that 13 year old hiding inside.
Cheers Kelly!
The 13 year old bit! Right in the feels.
It's sounding like many of us have that "little kid" inside us! Cheers and Happy Holidays Erin!
Your second point is particularly resonant with me. Even though we can profess to have such and such a principle, how many of us will stick to those same principles when under pressure to act against them? This is something we can all do with improving on.
It's a very conscious moment, I think, when it happens — when we choose to turn away from our principles or values because of fear or all kinds of reasons. We can't say it's accidental or "I wasn't thinking"... I've come to believe it's one of the most deliberate choices we make. Happy holidays, Alex!
What a great idea to record key reflections each year. I have to say, many of yours will be mine, as well, with only minor adjustments (my internal girl is younger!)...
I'm so glad these reflections resonated with you Teri. If you ever share yours, ping me - I'd love to read them too. Happy holidays!
Will do, Lou!
Lou, I love this quote: "We do not learn from experience,” said American philosopher John Dewey. “We learn from reflecting on experience.” Your 2025 lessons resonate. They constitute wise advice to carry into the New Year. Thank you! I appreciate you and wish you the best for the holidays and the coming year.
Right back at you Sandra! All the best for 2026!
Great list, Lou. I am just starting my year end reflection
, so nothing to share yet. My favourite insight from yours was the last bullet. I’m a big believer in individual rhythms and that it’s not always about slow.
Looking forward to hearing about the results of your year-end reflection, Cathy! Cheers.
Thanks Lou, love your note on fear. I recently wrote about taking fear and doubt along with me for the creative ride. Might as well become friends!
So glad you've found me, and now I've found you too! Just subscribed to Wordboon as well. Cheers, Court.
I'll just adopt your list...you've obviously gained some wisdom over the years (and cheers for being willing to share it). What I learned? It's the journey not the destination...process over outcomes. And, it's important to be someone who keeps her commitments.
Hah! Thanks, Kaarin! 😇 That thing about process over outcomes is one of those "lessons" I mentioned that have to keep (re)learning every year! I keep having to take a remedial class..
I'm writing a post about gratitude that draws on Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, which he began with a detailed list of people and the specific virtues and lessons he was grateful to have learned from them. So, what I'm learning is to spend more time thinking about the chain of events that come before all that I have to be grateful for. Doing it in hopes of creating a path to de-numbing ourselves to this year of passivity.
That's one of the things I love about his journaling (and the book). That he spent that time writing about the people he has learned from. It's such a great practice. Cheers, Flavia.
Your list of learnings is profoundly wise and wonderfully human, Lou. Thanks for sharing them and being your authentic, wry and knowing self!
My biggest learning this year has been simple: nurture my connections with family, friends and colleagues. I tend to be solitary and I suck at asking for help. But this year has taught me how much my community--human and wild--matters to me at many levels. And also how much good simply nurturing the ties that hold us together can do in a chaotic and frankly terrifying time. Blessings to you!
Love this, Susan, because it serves as a reminder for me. (I suck at asking for help too!) Thank you so much for sharing. Cheers!
I learned something simple, but monumental to me this year. It's ok to serve mankind in smaller ways -- making a dish for a funeral dinner, giving a struggling actor a pat on the back, donating a microwave to the Sr. Center. I don't always have to be organizing a huge fundraiser, starting a new hands-on program for children, heading up a county-wide petition drive to make a difference in the world. It's ok to step back and be an encourager of the younger crowd. I like the slower pace.
I appreciate this perspective, Jan. I'm currently reading a book (How to Begin) and one of the things it talks about is this idea of a "worthy goal". And it's echoing what you said. Thank you for sharing your key takeaway. Cheers!
Will check out that book. Thanks!