I’m just gonna say it: a lot of things in 2025 sucked. I know we love to share the highlights on social media, pretending all is perfect But if I can be real for one moment please. My behind the scenes was filled with a mix of emotional trauma, heartbreaking goodbyes and confronting uncharted territory. A little I shared, much I kept for myself.
And while I share this, It wasn’t all bad. Like you, I’m sure you experienced highlights along with some lowlights. There were moments within the year that were stunning, beautiful and incredible. However, they were wrapped into one big beautiful mess.
For me, this was a massive year. I had to say goodbye to some of the most important things in my life, adjust to a new normal, and step into a season I never imagined I’d be in.
I can’t speak to what your year looked like. Maybe it was good, bad, or just plain ugly. But I can share one thing I’ve learned:
Whatever we walk through in life, we have to lean into it.
Lean into the pain.
Lean into the good.
Lean into the learning.
This is something I made a conscious effort to do. I wanted to feel the pain, to let it in and let it do its work. I refused to shut down or switch off.
Because it’s there, in the leaning, that we actually receive what the moment is trying to give us. That is where the power is. The power to change us, teach us, and help us grow.
When we close our hearts and minds to what is happening around us, we miss out on some of the best things life has to offer. And ironically, those “best things” often show up in our most vulnerable seasons, when we allow ourselves to feel, to hurt, to listen, to learn, and to grow, even from the things we really do not want to hear.
The harsh words from friends.
The hard realities.
The situations we never thought we would be in.
The uncomfortable truths.
Those are not the things we should run from. They are the things we need to run toward.
Our natural reflex can be to avoid or ignore. If we do not face it, it feels like it does not exist. But when we ignore it, it does not go away. It is still there, waiting for us to deal with it.
It is like when you are afraid to open a bank statement or a letter that brings anxiety. We need to face these things head on, see the reality, let it in, and then deal with it appropriately. To have the COURAGE to face it all.
This year, I have tried to purposely lean into the pain. It has not been glamorous. I have felt vulnerable, exposed, raw, and honestly still a bit of a mess some days. But I know this: as I lean in, learn, and keep going, I am becoming my best self.
All of that clarity comes from leaning in, not slamming the door shut and being avoidant.
So as we head into 2026, I want to leave you with four invitations and encourage you to self-audit so you can set yourself up for the year ahead.
THE INVITATION
LEAN IN TO THE MOMENTS
Dig deep. Take each experience for all it is worth, even the painful ones. Thank God, the universe, or whatever language you use, for what is in front of you and ask, “What is this here to teach me?” It really is a gift, even if it does not seem like it right now, because your experience is unique and it will qualify you for the next chapter in your life.
DON’T IGNORE THE PAIN
Instead of hardening, try opening your heart a little more. Let it in, process it, talk about it, write it down. For me, speaking with close friends and my therapist with honesty has helped me process the pain. Saying things out loud is confronting, but it helps you move through what you are going through.AUDIT YOUR YEAR WITH HONESTY
Sit down with yourself and have a hard conversation. Put pen to paper and journal. Ask yourself:
What did you love?
What did you hate?
What do you want more of?
What do you want less of?ESTABLISH YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM
The people around you are critical to your growth. Put yourself around people who elevate you and help you grow. Build, or rebuild, the systems, structures, and routines that support who you are becoming. And if you do not like where you are landing at the end of 2025, come back to this question:
What needs to change? Because once you confront it, you can overcome it.
Here is to leaning in, not tapping out. Here is to doing the hard, honest work of becoming, even when it sucks.
Your December 2026 self will thank you.
Have the best week.. we are continuing on THE WAY FORWARD.
Scott