It's about the journey AND the destination!

This time of year naturally brings me to a place of reflection. Between Christmas and New Year's, I often have a bit more time to think (and sleep—a key ingredient for good thinking!). Yesterday, my husband, Clay, asked me what I want to accomplish in 2025.

Truth be told, those kinds of questions sometimes trip me up. Surviving a heart attack at 35 radically changed my perspective on the future. I've learned to focus on the present, cherishing each moment as it comes so I don't rush past moments I'll never get back.

When our daughters were young—back when parenting and adulting seemed to dominate every second—I'd remind myself, "We'll never have another 7-year-old Christmas." That little mantra helped me notice and savor those irreplaceable moments, even in the chaos. "Seven-year-old Christmas" wasn't just a milestone but a messy, beautiful journey I didn't want to blink and miss. It's these moments that make life truly beautiful and worth working for, and I'm sure you have your own versions of these moments to cherish.

There's a common saying: "It's not the destination; it's the journey that matters." But I've come to believe that both are equally important. For years, I've encouraged my audiences and clients to tie what they need to do for their hearts, health, and quality of life to the moments they don't want to miss. It's about finding the connection between the journey and the destination, and that's where the real motivation lies.

It's about making choices today—getting on the stupid bike for a workout, skipping fried chicken at every meal (even though I really love it), and keeping my blood pressure in check so I can be there for the moments I treasure most.

What destinations are on your horizon? Some of mine are literal places: I want to see Scotland and experience the Northern Lights inside the Arctic Circle. Others are milestones, like celebrating my 60th birthday this May.

Turning 60 feels momentous. Every birthday feels like a gift when you've been given a second chance at life, but this one seems especially significant. There will be a celebration—details to come! More than that, it's another chance to reflect on how much I value the adventures Clay and I have yet to embark on as we approach retirement and start traveling to more of those dream destinations.

Yet, the journey itself holds just as much magic. Clay and I often talk about the adventure we're living. Sailing has taught us to embrace the fun that comes with hard work and struggle. Parenting has been its own adventure—one that keeps evolving. And as we care for aging parents, we've discovered an honor and comfort in giving back to those who gave us life.

One of my favorite sayings is, 'The difference between an ordeal and an adventure is perspective.' That perspective has been a lifeline during tough times. Finding small joys even in the struggle helps us stay grounded and resilient. One of the core principles of the Stress-Proof System, a set of strategies I've developed to navigate life's challenges, is choosing to focus on the positive rather than dwell on what is difficult. This principle is essential to protecting the quality of life and enjoying the journey.

As 2025 approaches, I'm setting intentions to keep both the journey and the destination in focus:

• I'll only turn 60 once! Celebrate every moment of this trip around the sun.
• Serving the right clients will always be the correct answer.
• Making Clay laugh is a pure joy. I want to do more of that (whether intentionally or not!).

So, my fellow travelers on the path to living and working well under unavoidable stress, I invite you to reflect on your own journey and set intentions for 2025. What are your intentions for the coming year? What mantras will keep you present for the journey and the destination? I'm eager to hear about your reflections and intentions.

Leave a comment in our Stress-Proof Path Community on Substack or below!

I encourage you to reflect on these questions and set your own intentions for the coming year. Using mini mantras to be present and catch those important moments is the key to enjoying the journey and destinations of 2025!!

Let's savor this adventure together.

Wishing you low stress and great success in 2025!