In continuation of the 2025 reflection journey we began with Looking Back at 2025 with Gratitude, today’s post invites you deeper into the process. I encourage you to first spend some time with that reflection before settling into this one — it sets the foundation beautifully.
In this entry, I share the final four intentions I set for 2025, along with the lessons and reflections they offered me. Recently, I came across a quote by the late philosopher Søren Kierkegaard that perfectly captures the essence of this practice of looking back:
Join the parish community and actively engage in it.
Whew — I didn’t realise this intention needed a trigger warning 😅
I was raised in a home where church attendance and involvement were the norm, so I approached this goal with familiarity and confidence. I joined two ministries, eager to serve — but quickly found myself exhausted. Working Monday to Saturday meant Sundays were no longer days of rest, and weekday rehearsals and special masses added even more demands to an already full schedule…
After much reflection, I chose to step back from ministry service. Instead, I’m focusing on attending Mass as consistently as I can, while nurturing my relationship with God and my community in ways that truly work for my current season.
Maintain financial independence while growing my savings.
Ah, adulting in its full glory 🙌🏾
I’ve deeply enjoyed being able to sustain my livelihood while also saving for future needs. In the coming year, I hope to begin investing a portion of my savings — though I’m still learning about the investment vehicles available to me. This intention continues to evolve, and I’m embracing the learning curve.
Build a strong business team and establish a dedicated studio.
This intention has reminded me that some dreams require patience beyond a single year. It’s a long-term vision — and one I’m fully committed to continuing, step by step!
Run both TBOA & UP_blogs consistently.
Initially, I aimed to publish weekly posts on both blogs. Between UP_PHELELE work, lecturing, home responsibilities, and making space for rest, I quickly realised this wasn’t sustainable.
I’ve since shifted to alternating weekly posts between the two blogs — and this rhythm has been working well. Consistency, I’ve learned, must still leave room for living.
Ultimately, I’ve come to accept that life itself is a work in progress until its very last day. That’s the energy I’m carrying forward as I set new intentions — not as a reset, but as a continuation.
2025 was a beautiful year, and I’m grateful for all it brought in securing My Year of Divine Alignment. With faith and courage, I now declare 2026 as My Year of Audacity ✨
Have you named your year yet?
Yours (but mine first),
