At the Bridge Between Years

As this year comes to a close, I find myself standing in a place of reflection — much like this bridge in St. Jean Pied de Port, France.

A bridge is a pause point. A place to look back at where we’ve been, and ahead to what’s waiting. A moment to breathe before stepping forward.

I feel grateful for this past year — for the steps taken, the lessons learned, and the moments that asked me to slow down and listen more closely. Some days were light and expansive. Others were heavy, uncertain, and quiet. Not everything was easy. Not everything was clear. But it was meaningful.

There were questions I couldn’t answer right away. Moments when the path felt narrow. Times when simply showing up was enough.

And still, here I am — at the crossing.

As we move into a new year, I’m holding gratitude not just for what went well, but for what shaped me. For the pauses. For the lessons that arrived gently. For the reminders to trust the pace of becoming.

I don’t feel the need to rush ahead. I want to carry forward what matters most — presence, curiosity, creativity, and kindness — and set down what no longer needs to come with me.

Perhaps that’s what this season invites us to do: to stand at the bridge, take one last look behind us with compassion, and step forward with intention.

As we cross into the year ahead, what do you want to carry forward — and what are you ready to gently leave behind?