Closing my Fifth Decade: Letting Go, Leveling Up, and Looking Ahead

 

Closing My Fifth Decade: Letting Go, Leveling Up, and Looking Ahead

From January 2025 to December 2025, I had the privilege of beginning—and completing—the final year of my fifth decade. It was a year of release, resilience, and realignment.

One of the biggest lessons came through letting go—literally. I moved out of two storage lockers, a process that depleted my savings and tested my resolve. I released many items… and brought many home. At times, it feels like I’m living inside a storage locker. And yet, this experience clarified something important: I will be downsizing again. With relocation on the horizon, I know it will require bravery—and a willingness to truly “let it go, let it go” (yes, like Frozen 🎶).

This year also brought joy and accomplishment. I enjoyed attending theatre productions, returned to the pool for lap swimming, and said yes to leadership by serving as a Division Director in Toastmasters. I competed in a Table Topics Contest, earned my fifth Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award, and—perhaps most meaningfully—wrote a book that will be published in 2026.

I closed the year with gratitude: seeing The Nutcracker (thank you, Elizabeth), watching my grandson open his Christmas gifts, and spending New Year’s with him. These moments matter. So does my team—and I am deeply proud of them.

I lost my beautiful cat Shane - who was by my side for 18 years! My vanilla zebra. I am sad without him and realize he was a blessing and offered comfort. My therapeutic little guy.  

On January 9, I enter my sixth decade with intention. In 2026, I plan to continue writing, speaking, creating, and exploring art projects—not just to produce, but to enjoy the journey.

This chapter taught me that alignment isn’t about having less—it’s about keeping what truly fits.