Reflections on 2025

Like many of you, I took some time to reflect back on 2025 - the good, the bad, and the ugly. It was certainly a year of growth for me, but overall it wasn’t a spectacular year. That’s ok too, as I find the yin and yang of life holds true… when you have high highs, you also tend to also have low lows to keep everything in balance. I know I am not the same person I was last January—thanks be to God.

So, let’s take a look at why that is.

In true USA style, I’ll make myself what I call a shit sandwich. Since I started working with teams from other geographies, I’ve noticed some interesting US culture characteristics. The way we give feedback is one of them—and we’ve most likely all done this or received feedback this way. It’s when you have to provide feedback to someone and you start it off with the good things, move into the harder, more critical things to discuss, and then end with good things to leave it on a positive note. So here it goes, let’s build it!

1. My prayer life improved with a daily commitment. Grade A-.
   I discovered starting the day with Jesus is much better than my social media feed. I can easily ruin a precious morning by mindlessly letting the threads of what everybody else is saying out there pollute my mind. Prayer is a much better option. I can share what I hope for the day for myself and others, I download my concerns, and in the process build a friendship with Jesus. Most days I’m doing most of the talking, but other days I get information back. I live for those moments. Toward the end of 2025, I added a shorter prayer time at the end of the day for reflection and more downloading before I sleep. It helps.

2. I didn’t keep my commitment to my Substack writing. Grade C-.
   I don’t need to belabor this, but it is what it is. Time has gone by, I didn’t write as much as I intended. It was like the ghost in the room—I knew it was there, and it would torture me with whispers: “Why aren’t you writing?”... “What’s wrong with you?”... So, fun times. My own self-torture.

3. I lost control of my finances. Grade D-
   I used my credit card a bit too much to support a lifestyle that was unsustainable. Now, that being said, I am working on turning that around and I’m well on my way. Given that there is a turnaround happening. I’d graded myself a D- vs. an F. I am applying a new discipline. The holidays were very difficult as I love to give meaningful gifts. But as Clint Eastwood says, “Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome…”

4. I discovered that I continue to struggle with the same fears I’ve always had.

   Grade: D
   I found something I wrote in 2007. It was torn out of a spiral notebook and I had placed it in a folder with a bunch of greeting cards I had saved. I read it over, I realized I shared those very same words the other night to my best friend. I’ve used it as a crutch. It’s time to stop worrying about what others will think. This also directly relates to #2. Sobering, but useful.

5. The Lord served up several opportunities to learn humility. Grade C+
   I expect this to continue in 2026. I am planning to write a few posts on this too, as there are some pretty funny moments. It all started when I dared to pray to “learn” about humility as part of developing that virtue, and boy did those prayers get answered. I learned a valuable lesson - be very careful about what you pray for, and how you pray for it, because you will receive it. It can and will surprise you.

6. My motorcycle was a bit lonely. Grade C-
   I made many excuses not to ride. The problem is, much like writing, it is one of the few outlets that brings a sense of freedom and passion to life. I need to fix that.

7. Health Disciplines Improved. Grade B+
   First, I got a handle on macro nutrition. Just enough to know how it works and what I need to be doing. I have not optimized it or found the right sweet spot quite yet. I have some set targets to hit and staying the course. No major weight shifts yet, but some body composition changes. So there’s that.

   Second, I kept my commitment at the gym. Woohoo. This was my first year through where I’ve stayed with it. I find myself actually looking forward to it. Who knew?

There is something that I am noticing. In most of these things, they are all outcomes based in habits of good discipline or a lack of discipline.

I guess I’ll keep that journey going too, and see how I do by 2027. I hope to have a better report card to share then.

My most memorable moment of 2025?

Going to Fatima, Portugal and visiting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima. I walked around the plaza and was able to attend a mass. I got a check off the bucket list. It was truly a divine experience and I’m a grateful I had the opportunity to go while I was on a work trip.

Only the Lord knows what is really ahead for me. As Proverbs 16:9 notes, “The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” Given that, here are a few things in mind for 2026

1. I will continue to work on #1 and strengthen my prayer life.

2. Be diligent in paying down debt and not accumulating more.

3. Take time when on work trips to explore when possible.

4. Continue to build the health disciplines.

5. Continue the journey on embracing the 64 virtues. That should keep me busy.

6. Last but not least, take more motorcycle rides on my own this coming season.

As I mentioned the 64 virtues—I’ll be documenting more of this path in the coming year. I actually started a humility journal because I had so many things happen and I didn’t want to forget them. I have much to share!

I am wishing you a fantastic 2026! Let’s do what St. Paul says:

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus – Philippians 3:13-15

Thank you for reading. Blessings of love, peace and joy to you and your loved ones in 2026!