Two New Years, Twice the Possibility

I’ve always loved the feeling of possibility that comes with the New Year—the fresh start, the clean slate, and the chance to realign my life with what matters most. But one of my favorite things about working in public education is that I actually get to experience this twice every year.

In addition to January, the start of the school year in August feels like a second “New Year”—a natural moment to pause, reflect, and ask myself: What do I want to celebrate? What do I want to shift?

Celebrating and Realigning

When I look back over the past few months, I feel proud and grateful. My partner Sarah and I hosted two beautiful retreats that filled my heart, and I had the joy of celebrating milestone birthdays with dear friends. These moments reminded me of the richness of connection and the importance of marking life’s passages with intention.

Now that the school year has begun, the pace of life has shifted. The 6am alarms are back, and with them comes the need for discernment—choosing carefully where my energy and time go. For me, this means practicing the art of saying no to the endless “busy-ness” of the season, and yes to what truly supports my growth and contentment: more morning walks, more meaningful conversations, and—perhaps most importantly—going to bed before the clock strikes double digits.

A Moment of Reflection

Even if you don’t celebrate the “New (School) Year,” this season is still a beautiful opportunity to pause and reflect. Ask yourself:

• What do I want to celebrate right now?

• What do I want to do differently moving forward?

• As I move into this next season, what am I being called to say yes to?

• What am I being called to release or say no to, even if it’s something I once enjoyed?

• What does alignment feel like in my body, my schedule, and my relationships?

Give yourself space to reflect honestly. Notice what comes up without judgment—this isn’t about perfection, but about reconnecting with what matters most right now. The truth is, you don’t have to wait for January or a milestone to start fresh. Each breath is an invitation to realign, to listen, and to begin again.