Every year, I like to look back on where I was in January and where I’d like to be a year from now. I often pause throughout the year to reflect, but the end of the year is a perfect reminder for us to do just that. I learned a few things in some unexpected places (for example, my TV subscriptions and my kid’s ever-changing wish lists). I live and breathe health and wellness content because, really, everything comes down to this. You likely won’t be surprised by some of my reminders and realizations if you’ve been following me for a while. Read on below!
Small Subscriptions Add Up, Especially Your Streaming Services
Some lessons arrive quietly, like in your monthly bank statement. Now, I recommend reviewing your statement often, but sometimes, you just don’t realize how many subscriptions you’ve signed up for until you see all of them as a collective. We all know too well how easy it is to sign up for a streaming service to watch a specific show, only to forget about it later. Even if it’s only $8/month, that adds up over time. Apply that to four additional platforms at varying prices and you’re looking at a number that’s likely over $500.
Christmas Break is a great time to cull your subscriptions and streaming services. Go through your bank statement with a fine-toothed comb and cut out all the subscriptions that you don’t feel 100% passionate about. Go ahead, be ruthless! You can always swap out memberships for a different one later on—it’s better to cut them out and rebuild them than to pay for something you’ve engaged with once in six months. Money drain can happen in the smallest of places, and you just need to be aware.
Gift Your Kiddos Memories, Not Material Items
Look, I’m not against gifting Av and Nate the items on their Christmas wish lists that are exciting for where they’re currently at in their lives. It’s so fun seeing their faces when they open the present they’ve been wanting all year, but there’s something extra special about giving them an experience that they can enjoy—either with their friends or with us. In the past, we’ve given travel gifts where we jet off to somewhere exotic for the Christmas Break. Sure, they might not get a haul of tangible items that holiday season, but they genuinely appreciate spending time and making memories with us. I’m so grateful for this, and I hope they always want to hang out with us (though I do know this might fluctuate as we become “uncool” in their eyes).
Over the last few years, we’ve shifted to more travel and fewer things, because I can guarantee that in 10 years, they will remember the hilarious memories and challenges that come to life on vacation vs the toy they asked for in 2025. I have vivid memories of the travelling that we did as a family when I was little, and I want my kids to experience the same joy and nostalgia.
In a Dark & Twisty World, Health and Wellness is #1
I think we can all agree that the last few years have not been light ones. As a collective, we’re navigating some big political and economic shifts, and in our day-to-day, we’re trying to do as much good as possible. With these changes, natural feelings of stress and anxiety and prioritizing your mental and physical health can help to aid this. Over the last few years, I’ve come to realize just how crucial moving my body is for my mind, body, and soul. I truly don’t know where I’d be without my regular Barry’s sessions alongside some of my favourite local entrepreneurs!
On top of my physical health, I make space every morning for a short but sweet, meditation. Stepping back from the noise and reminding myself of all that I’m grateful for, helping me show up better for my husband, my kids, my team, and everyone else I interact with—even the stranger walking next to me on the sidewalk! If this isn’t regular practice for you and you’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately, I’d highly recommend implementing some positive daily practices into your lifestyle.
Being an Entrepreneur Means Constantly Growing
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset, ever since I was a little girl. Good thing I turned that into reality! Now, I’m going to be honest—entrepreneurship has its share of challenges that you must navigate. Growth, although it’s not a challenge, requires you to wrap your head around it. I often find myself asking the question: How sustainable is this momentum? Will my goals be harder to achieve this year? When does more become too much?
The truth is, scaling a business isn’t linear. It requires you to be realistic—to sometimes push hard on the gas pedal and to pull back a bit. Both are valid; you just need to take time to reflect and navigate the season you’re in. I’m still clearly working through a lot of this as we speak!
I hope these have inspired you to reflect on your last year: identifying what you’re most proud of and what you want to continue carrying forward into 2026. I have a blog about travel coming up in January, as we like to plan out our yearly trips. Keep an eye on it!