A message from Rachel...

In the spirit of the holiday season where office parties, family gatherings, and favorable (or stressful) planning is in order to share our appreciation and presence with those we love, I began to lean on a memory. 

“What memory?” you may ask. 

Fifth grade chorus class. It was Caroling Day. On the last Monday before Christmas break, we hailed our favorite holiday jams, welcomed with a modern flare–beat boxing, hand-clapping, and pencil-drumming on our desks–all approved by our music teacher… (or was it?) On a whim and on one accord, we sang the “12 Days of Christmas” song to conclude our Christmas Carol mash-up.

With humor, non-verbal gestures of swaying left to right, foot stomping, smiles on our faces, camaraderie and gratitude, we sang with joy.

With that memory in mind, and to pay homage to the “12 Days of Christmas” song, here are my twelve things that life has given me in 2025 (tangibly and intangibly).

1. Faith. In my life and world, faith is not only a pillar of value. It is the foundation. From my faith comes my reality to believe that anything I become or do is possible. Faith is the risk to take action even in unsurmountable circumstances. Belief is powerful and a continual and unseen force that must be exercised in life as many things attempt to deter our faith in what is possible.

2. Resilience. This year taught me how to stand. Become more flexible, agile, and recover from opposition with grace, humility, and composed strength (meekness).

3. Humor/Laughter. A proverb reads, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Joy and laughter are essential to the human experience. I’m so invested in obtaining my dose of laughter that I will Pinterest jokes or tune into an old school Looney Tunes skit… Just for the laugh of it! Don’t discredit the innate need for joy and gladness.

4. Humility. Humility has postured me to serve people and myself effectively. Both are necessary because when I am not sufficiently filled, I can pour from a place that does not have the best intent for others. To be humble is to be made ready–to show up as your best self and submit what’s best to others.

5. Family. An anchor and immovable force in my life that is constantly evolving. Family is not always synonymous with familiarity. Never take the loved ones around us for granted. We are essential to one another. So, let’s honor one another’s growth and transformation.

6. Hope. Don’t diminish those dreams and aspirations. Keep them at the forefront of thought, speech, and deed. With intention and faith, they will come to life, and arrive in full abundance.

7. Pace. Your pace may differ from your neighbor. Never compare. Complement other rhythms to show the embracement of where you are in life and navigate the terrain of the season well.

8. Community. Life should not be done alone. I am a champion and advocate for others to find a tribe, embrace fresh perspective, and cultivate presence with people you can laugh with, not at, have each other’s back, and celebrate small wins together. 

9. Preparedness. Live alert and vigilant in life. Plan your work and work your plan. Peace really does come in the process, not the stalling or deferring. Account for what is needed ahead of time, and rest.

10. Spontaneity. Sparks creativity. Encourages authenticity and energizes one to grow and become. It’s okay to break away from the schedule sometimes.

11. Conflict. Builds durability, trust, endurance with humanity, and longevity beyond the grand and beautiful moments. Conflict is healthy, necessary, provides clarity, and strengthens relationships. I am thankful for the conflict that was set before me this year. It equipped me to become better in many facets of relationships.

12. Vision. “Where are we going, and how are we getting there?” A constant question I ask myself concerning the life I have been given to live. I ask in certainty, with hope and faith, that at every intersection of life, I will receive proper direction to move ahead and carry these 12 perspectives and postures with me.

I hope the 12 things 2025 has given me inspires you to remain grateful, intentional, and faithful with all you have and what you are capable of giving to others, and this world.

Wishing every reader a very Merry Christmas.