What Worked in 2025
a practice for naming what is ...
Happy New Year friends -
I’m sure it’s no secret to you that naming the good, is a practice I hold deeply to - whether in a reflection here, a gratitude journal, or over dinner with my family, it’s an important part of my life. Over the last several years, I’ve been inspired by Kendra Adachi and Emily P. Freeman’s1 lists of what worked, and I’ve created my own for 2025.2 It’s another way of acknowleding the good parts of your life. As I’ve written before:
It’s not turning away from the groaning of creation.
It’s naming the good and finding rest in what is.
One of the practices we’ll engage in next week at my Tending To What Is lunchtime mini-retreat, is naming what is working in our lives. I’d love for you to join me as we usher in the new year with less new year, new you energy and more tending. Instead of revamping our lives, we’ll name what is already good.
So in no particular order, here is a list of ten things that worked in 2025:
10 things that worked in 2025
Journaling and poems to start my day. It can feel hard in the early morning hours to read something too heavy, or expect too long of a stretch of time, so this year I’ve been enjoying a simple practice of a cup of coffee my journal and a few poems most mornings. I’ve mentioned the compilations from James Crews often, but they’ve been a great companion to the start of my day.
Thrifting. I’ve been in and out of thrift stores for years, but I’ve been trying to checking there first before ordering or heading to target. My church book club is hosting a swap later this month and I’m looking forward to that as well. I got a great coat at last year’s swap!
Audio books. Lol. But hear me out! I’ve been listening to audio books for a long time, but this year I tackled several novels and non-fiction books that had been on my list for a while and found that listening while I do the dishes or on my commute helped me make it through some books that I wanted to read, but struggled to stay awake when reading before bed.
Time-Blocking. Over the Summer I read Cal Newport’s Slow Productivity, and loved it! He brings together ideas that have been swirling around me for years. In it he briefly discussing time-blocking and I’ve put it into practice in earnest the last several months, and have not looked back! The short definition is blocking periods of time to focus on one specific task instead of jumping around, or interupting yourself to do other things. (But there is more! The book or his podcast lays it out well.)
Burrito Bowls. I eat this several times per week, it travels well, and tends to have plenty of leftovers! It’s not always the same but generally: salad greens, topped with beans & rice, avocado, cheese, tomatoes, lime, greek yogurt etc. and finally I add some avocado dressing! (I’ll also add random leftovers like: chicken, pulled pork, veggies etc. from the night before when I have them)
The Lazy Genius. I have talked a lot about Kendra Adachi’s work over at The Lazy Genius pretty often, but this year as I managed more moving parts in my life, I’ve appreciated her balance approach to life management. I’ve finally settled into listening to her podcast (almost!) every week and even bought her playbooks (something to use with your planner / calendar etc.) and have loved them!
Family Meals. I used this one last year, but I want to keep it again for this year. As my kids get older and busier, I find that an hour together at dinner is a much needed connection point. Like last year, we still have plenty of complaining and it’s not perfect — but some days everyone lingers just a bit and on those nights there is no where else I’d rather be.
Friendship. It can feel difficult to cultivate friendships when you have a full life, but over the last several years I’ve found close friendships to be one of the most important pieces of the pie. Meeting for walks or dinner, going to see live music or author events, hosting at our house, and all the texts in between. It’s worth the time and effort! Georgia Okeefe once said: Nobody sees a flower really; it is so small. We haven't time, and to see takes time - like to have a friend takes time. She’s right! But it’s time well spent.
Refusing to speak poorly of the generations behind me. It seems that as generations age they tend to lean toward a “the kids these days” mentality. As I’ve found myself entering middle-age, I’ve been determined not to speak ill of younger people, but to learn from their passion, experience, and differences. I cannot express enough the gifts diverse voices have brought to my life — including younger friends, congregants, and colleagues.
Mini-retreats. I’ve been hosting these for several years, but this past year I’ve felt like my online mini-retreats are really finding their groove. I’m excited to offer 6 or 73 retreats throughout the year and I hope you’ll join me! I’d love to hear any ideas / hopes / dreams you have for what topics might be included. I already have January and February planned, you can find out more information below.
With you as you explore what worked in 2025 -
Holly
Spiritual Direction News & Offerings
I’m opening up for a few more spiritual direction clients in the coming year, so if you know anyone (or are anyone) interested please feel free to connect us!
In the coming year, I’ll be offering several more lunchtime mini-retreats. My first retreat, Tending To What Is, will be on January 14th at noon CT. You can find more information and register here. ALSO! Mark your calendar for my Lent mini-retreat on February 12th.
I’m excited to announce that last spring, Charlotte Donolon invited me to be a contributor to her new anthology: Take More Retreats: A Guidebook for Writers, Journalers, and Creative Souls. You can pre-order and find out more about the book here. Use my pre-order code PREORDERHOLLY5, and save $5.
In an attempt to make space for clergy & ministry leaders, I will be offering spiritual direction group this winter/spring. You can find more information and register here.
and I’m sure others too!
You can read 2024’s list here!
please don’t tell my kids I wrote that.