As the year draws to a close, there’s an undeniable shift in the air. We feel it in the crispness of the mornings, the way the world slows down just a little bit, as if it's giving us the space to pause. The end of the year is often framed as a moment for resolutions, but this year, I want to encourage you to embrace something simpler: reflection. This isn’t about setting grand expectations for next year; it’s about taking a moment to check in with yourself.

For me, the end of the year has always been a time to look back—not just at the achievements or the things that went well, but at the entire journey. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of doing, in the constant pressure to push forward. But what if we paused long enough to truly appreciate the path we’ve walked, even with its twists, turns, and bumps?

Looking back, I see a journey shaped by growth, learning, and resilience. In the stories I’ve shared with you through my books and platform, whether it’s about Dame Sarah Storey’s determination or the women who rise strong despite challenges, I’ve focused on the triumphs that are born from adversity. These aren’t just the external victories—though they are beautiful in their own right—but the inner transformations that redefine what it means to succeed. True strength often doesn’t look the way we expect it to. It can be quiet, it can be messy, and sometimes, it can be so deeply personal that others don’t see it until much later.

This time of year calls for a different kind of reflection. It’s not about what you didn’t accomplish or how you “fell short.” It’s about celebrating the small victories—the quiet moments of growth that often go unnoticed. Maybe you learned to set boundaries. Maybe you took a step, however small, toward something that felt impossible. Maybe you learned to be kinder to yourself. These are victories, too, and they deserve to be acknowledged.

As we step into the new year, I encourage you to take a moment to honor yourself. Embrace the unique challenges you’ve faced and the lessons they’ve brought. Think about what you’ve learned—not just about the world, but about your own strength, your own power, and your own potential.

And when you do think about what’s ahead, let it be with intention. We don’t have to have it all figured out. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply be open to the possibility of growth. To know that we’re always a work in progress, always moving forward, even when we’re not sure where the path leads.

So, as this year closes, don’t rush into next year with a list of resolutions. Instead, take a breath. Acknowledge your journey. And then step forward, knowing that you’ve already begun to create the life you’ve imagined—one small step at a time.

With love,

S.A. Sterling