Happy 2025! As I reflect on the goals I set for last year, I’ve been reviewing what I considered both successes and failures. Looking through my 2024 list, I felt not only excitement about the achievements but, more importantly, a deep sense of gratitude for the lessons learned from what I hadn’t accomplished—the so-called "failures."

It’s no secret that I’m highly goal-oriented. This trait has served me well as a leader, enabling me to plan for success while anticipating and preparing for unexpected challenges. Yet, recently, one of my projects veered completely off course—a shock that left me reeling for days.

As I stepped onto the sideboard and gripped the handle of the rented Ford Expedition to hoist my petite frame into the seat, my heart pounded. I knew what lay ahead: miles of stunning landscapes filled with golden aspen trees, fiery red sumac, and chokecherry bushes, along with steep curves at high elevations.

Have you ever stopped to think about what you're attached to in your life? It could be things, ideas, perceptions, outcomes, a job, routines, or even people.

Have you ever been caught in the spiral of a challenging day? The alarm doesn’t go off because the electricity is out, and not only can you not make coffee, but you are definitely late for a meeting with your boss.