We are now in the midst of the holiday season. My favorite time of year! As I reflect on the past 12 months, I recognize my personal and professional journey is different this year than at any other time in my life. Part of it is the new professional journey I’ve undertaken this year and part of it is the collision of my personal and professional worlds, coming together simultaneously.
My Journey This Year
As a father, a husband, a friend and member of a larger community, I’ve been challenged to address interpersonal dynamics as never before. Some relationships have been redefined to maximize our interactions while keeping the boundaries that make for a safe and healthy relationship. Some relationships have been allowed to wither as they haven’t done or no longer do serve a meaningful purpose in my life.
This hasn’t always been the case. Enmeshed or codependent relationships aren’t healthy. They steal time, dignity, self-respect and energy from us. Therefore, I’ve reset the clock on those relationships that needed to be adjusted – such as limiting contact (how often and for how long), where to meet (type of places) or ways to meet (in person, video calls, or phone) or simply allowing a relationship to go “extinct” (a term I first heard in an educational setting). Meanwhile, other relationships have only grown in depth and understanding as I’ve allowed myself to be more vulnerable to those who’ve earned my trust and are closest to me. It’s important for a man to have a safe haven where he can remove his daily armor and explore in greater emotional depth and personal understanding.
The inner work I do is not just for my clients. It’s for me, too.
Professionally, I’m walking down a path I haven’t explored previously. This journey has revealed to me that I can give myself permission to help others in ways I didn’t believe I could. In my prior work, I’ve always engaged to help others resolve their problems, issues or provide some type of service to add value to the lives of people or organizations I’ve worked for. As a life coach, I find what I do now even more impactful and personally satisfying. The improvements in quality of life and life-purpose of those I serve are without comparison.
In The Spirit of The Season
I’m reminded that gratitude isn’t just a feeling. It’s acknowledging what has been given to me. It’s a practice, a perspective, and a way of anchoring ourselves in what truly matters.
I’m thankful for the people who walk with me through the highs and the lows. For the small moments that often go unnoticed but shape the days we’ll remember. For growth that comes disguised as challenges, and for the opportunities that continue to open even when the path feels uncertain.
I’m grateful for family, for friendships that feel like home, and for the communities that support, sharpen, and inspire us all to show up as better versions of ourselves, each and every day.
And I’m thankful for the simple things: a warm meal with my wife, a quiet morning sitting on my patio, a deep breath in a moment of solitude. These reminders of life’s beauty, which we may only find once we slow down long enough to notice. So that we can appreciate them.
My Wish For You
This holiday season, I’m wishing you and yours a day filled with connection, reflection, and gratitude.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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