At this time of year, I often come across beautifully crafted intention-setting exercises. They invite us to pause, reflect, and look forward. In the past, I’ve tended to focus on the future—dreaming and planning. But in recent years, I’ve delved deeper, reflecting not only on aspirations but also on the lessons and transformations of the year gone by.
One set of questions that inspires me comes from Suleika Jaouad, a remarkable creator, artist and writer whose work resonates across life’s thresholds. Suleika’s “Five Lists” are particularly meaningful to me, experienced as she is at navigating enormous life crises. And she just happens to share her life with the extraordinary Jon Batiste – but I like to say that I heard of her before I heard of him! Suleika’s prompts invite us to explore what we’re learning, creating, contributing, and letting go—questions that have become a guiding mantra in my own life. Here is my version of her questions, and my reflections as 2024 comes to a close and I look ahead to 2025.
What am I proud of from the past year, and who or what supported me in these accomplishments?
Reflecting on 2024, I feel proud of how I’ve channelled creative energy into projects on the cusp of emerging into the world. Writing has been a significant focus—blog posts, including one published in Like The Wind, and progress on my first book. I’ve built resources for grief coaching, shaped Mortal Leader offerings, and am co-designing a module on psychedelics at end-of-life.
I’ve participated in learning programmes on regenerative leadership, family constellations, climate coaching, team facilitation, and more. I’ve appeared on two podcasts, which has stretched and enriched me in new ways. These experiences weave into and strengthen the work I already do while opening doors for what’s to come.
In practice, this has meant hosting Deep Time Walks, co-sitting for psychedelic journeys, co-hosting Death Cafés, and facilitating Let’s Talk About Death Over Dinner soirées. These connections nourish my understanding of grief, endings, and the thresholds we all face.
On a personal level, I’ve rekindled my love for the cello and explored new composers on the piano. I’ve continued to prioritise my health through acupuncture, osteopathy, and experiments with psychedelics and breathwork. A highlight was hiking the Peaks of the Balkans—a 12-day journey through the stunning mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro, that reinforces my passion for slow, long-distance exploration.
None of this would have been possible without the support of my health and resilience, Medjool’s steady love, Black’s companionship on daily walks, and the many mentors and communities who have inspired and guided me this year. Special thanks to Nicole, Joan, Caroline, Nathalie and TK, P, AM, E, D, L, the CCA and CCC, Joanna Macy and Jess Serrante, Frédéric Laloux and team, Upaya, ACER, Sam, another Nathalie, and my current and prospective clients.
What did this year leave me yearning for, and how does that longing feel in my body?
While 2024 was rich in growth and connection, it also left me yearning for deeper peace and ease—for myself, my loved ones, and the wider world.
I long for a collective awakening to the preciousness of life. I yearn for leaders, policymakers, and communities to move toward collaboration, care, and a rebalancing of our relationship with the natural world.
On a personal level, I yearn for opportunities to bring systems thinking, nature, healing and navigating thresholds into workplace contexts. I feel called to deepen my work with people at end-of-life or living with grief, learning from the wisdom that emerges during these profound times.
This yearning feels like an ache in my chest and a reaching of my face toward the weak winter sun—tentative but hopeful. With a slow inhale, I lean into these desires while settling back into what simply is.
What is causing me anxiety, and what is this teaching me about my needs and boundaries?
As in years past, anxiety arises from the prospect of more loss – particularly that of another child. I worry for my children’s well-being as they find their place in this spiralling world, and for my own health and ability to contribute meaningfully amidst systems in collapse.
These worries remind me to stay rooted in what I can control—to care for my body, mind, and heart, and to practise being present with “what is.” They highlight my core human needs: safety, belonging, control and meaning. The teachings of Active Hope remain a guiding light, reminding me that perhaps particularly in times of uncertainty, compassion, presence and action are some of the most important and regenerative contributions I can bring.
What resources, skills, and inner qualities will sustain me in the year ahead?
My well of resources feels both deep and precious. I am grateful for my health, resilience, and capacity for joy, gratitude and optimism. My creativity, systemic thinking and dogged determination guide me, as do the grounding practices of music, movement and nature.
Playing music, moving my body in water or on the mat, and spending time in nature are my oxygen—they nourish me in ways that are fundamental to my well-being. Ongoing inner work provides both balance and fuel, sustaining my ability to meet challenges with grace and clarity.
Medjool’s steadfast love is a constant source of strength, and I hope these resources continue to nurture me in 2025 and beyond.
What are my boldest dreams, and how might they contribute to the world around me?
My dreams feel both daring and within reach. I imagine hosting the Mortal Leader programme as coaching, retreats and team experiences; finishing my first book and beginning a second; and collaborating on workshops that weave grief, transitions and creativity into healing.
I dream of embedding psychedelics and breathwork into end-of-life care and professional settings, and of working with individuals, groups and systems at life’s many thresholds. Beyond myself, I dream of a world where health, peace and collaboration flourish—a world awake to its capacity for beauty and balance in the great web of life.
Closing Thoughts
As we come closer to entering 2025, I carry these reflections and dreams with me. I hope they inspire you to pause, reflect, and honour your own year. May the coming months nurture you, your loved ones, our planet, and future generations of all species.
26th December 2024
I love these 5 prompts and your reflections. At a moment when I am feeling both depleted and surrounded by my loved ones, feeling guilty that I cannot fully enjoy and bask in their presence, these questions feel like an invitation to nurture myself.
I am so grateful for you and your wise and gorgeous presence in my life