May this year invite you to walk forward with steadiness, curiosity, and peace in your soul.

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Happy New Year Friends! 🎊🎇🥂

As we step into a new year, I find myself returning to words that feel steady rather than urgent, spacious rather than demanding. One of those touchstones for me has always been Desiderata, A Poem for a Way of Life by Max Ehrmann.

“Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.”

There is something deeply comforting about these lines—especially at this stage of life. They don’t ask us to reinvent ourselves or prove anything. Instead, they invite us to remember who we are, to move at a humane pace, and to trust the quiet wisdom we’ve earned.

For many of us in the second half of life, the New Year doesn’t feel like a starting gun. It feels more like a pause at the threshold—a moment to look ahead and ask different kinds of questions:

• What do I want more of this year?
• What am I ready to loosen my grip on?
• Where do I want to feel steadier, lighter, or more at ease?

This may be the season where intentions feel more meaningful than resolutions. Where a word of the year replaces a long list of goals. Where we choose presence, rest, curiosity, or connection—not because we “should,” but because we’re finally listening to ourselves. This resonates with me; how about you?

As Ehrmann reminds us:
“You are a child of the universe…
and whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.”

That doesn’t mean we stop hoping. Quite the opposite. It means our hopes become more honest.

Perhaps this is the year you hope for:

• Fewer obligations that drain you
• More room to breathe and choose
• Less noise, more clarity
• Deeper connection—with yourself and others
• A rhythm that feels like yours

This is where I’m at this New Year’s Day, 2026. And here's the full poem for you to enjoy:

Desiderata

Go Placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.

But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

By: Max Ehrmann; 1927

Sitting with Desiderata at the start of a new year reminds me that reflection is not something we do alone. It’s something that deepens when we pause together—when we listen, share, and name what feels true in this season of life.

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January Office Hours

Theme: I’d love for this to feel like a soft landing into the year—a place to reflect, name intentions, explore words of the year, and talk about what we want more (and less) of as we move forward together.

This won’t be about fixing or forcing. It will be about listening, sharing, and choosing with intention.

As always, you’re welcome to come exactly as you are—curious, tired, hopeful, unsure, or quietly optimistic.

🗓️ Date: Tuesday, January 6th

⏰ Time: 9:00 am PST

🔗 Join us via [Zoom link]​

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I'D LOVE YOUR INPUT as I Reimagine How We Gather

This year, I’m thinking of experimenting with different ways of gathering—varied topics, varied times—so that more of you can participate in ways that actually fit your lives. Your responses will help shape what I offer next.

# 1: I’m reimagining how we gather this year. What would work best for you?

A. Monthly Office Hours at a consistent time

B. Occasional topic-based Zoom sessions

C. Shorter, workshop-style gatherings

D. I prefer reading/listening on my own

#2: If I offered occasional Zoom gatherings this year, which topics would most interest you?

A. Midlife transitions & identity shifts

B. Rest, energy & boundaries

C. Purpose, meaning & “what’s next”

D. Habits, mindset & daily rhythms

E. Connection & community in this season

#3: What time of day are you most likely to attend a live Zoom?

A. Morning

B. Midday or Noon hour

C. Early evening

D. Weekends

E. Live doesn’t work for me (recordings preferred)

#4: Other ideas:

A. Seasonal Gatherings – in person (4 per year)

B. Single-topic Zooms (60 minutes, very clear focus)

C. “Bring a Question” Sessions (no prep required)

D. Reflection Circles tied to themes like Permission to Pivot, Rest as Renewal, What’s Emerging Now

E. Asynchronous option: submit a question in advance + watch replay (on YouTube)

I’d truly value your input. You can reply directly to this email and share your responses by listing them like this: #1 – B, #2 – D, #3 – A, etc. There’s no need to answer everything—respond to what feels relevant for you. Your replies will help me experiment with formats and topics that genuinely fit this season of life. I’m always open to ideas – so please share yours!

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FINAL THOUGHTS

As this new year opens, I keep coming back to this: reflection and growth belong together. Staying curious, continuing to learn, and allowing ourselves to change is part of really living—at every age and stage. Not because something is missing, but because life is still unfolding.

Growth doesn’t always mean doing more or trying harder. Sometimes it simply means listening more closely, letting go of what no longer fits, and choosing what feels truer now.

I’m wishing you a year that feels steady, spacious, and deeply your own. And as always, I'm so grateful you are here!

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​With warmth and care,

Judy

PS: I’m opening three one-on-one coaching spots for the year ahead. If this season has you asking “what now?” or looking for thoughtful support, or even quietly wondering if this might be helpful—just reply and we can start with a conversation.

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