Annual Conversation
A few weeks back, Lori and I decided to schedule an overnight visit to the Inn at Honey Run, just outside of Millersburg in Amish country. The primary intent was to exit the hustle and bustle of the holidays, relax, and have the time and space to do some planning for the New Year. As the date snuck up on us, life was truly hustling and bustling - holiday party invitations, plus lots of pressing work to do on the professional front all converged to make us feel slightly crazy for sticking with the plan and driving up Route 62 yesterday. But I’m so glad that we did.
First off, I am glad to unplug and reflect. Life has been full, to the point of testing the limits of my energy. It’s all stuff that I love doing, and am so grateful, but sometimes it hits all at once. One thing on my mind during the drive up was simply: What bumpers or scheduling rules could I put in place next year to eliminate (or reduce) the chance of placing myself in the middle of an overly demanding gauntlet of commitments? How can I spread things out a little more, allowing for time to recharge between the big days?
Then there was the matter of ensuring that we made time for adventure with each other. Some exciting things are afoot for next year. Finalizing these plans, blocking the days out now so that we can protect them, was important to ensuring that they happen - and exciting to think about. (Half the fun of adventure is the anticipation of it, I think. I love having fun things to look forward to.) I also intend to honor more No Work days. Giving myself permission to not work is essential to maintaining a high level of energy, and also allows for clearer thinking.
We talked about our finances, and how to make our financial life run smoother in the year ahead. We basically asked and answered the question “A year from now, what needs to have happened for us to feel great about 2026?” It feels good to be on the same page with the answers to this question.
It’s impossible not to reflect on our good fortune. This year has been great. The odds of next year being great went up significantly, thanks to our thinking ahead about it. We are making the most of our good fortune, living a rich life.
There is plenty of work to be done to put 2025 to bed, and ensure that I hit the ground running on January 2nd, but I am looking forward to the world slowing down and allowing me to do these things and enjoy my family in the days ahead.
I hope the same for you, too! This kind of annual conversation needn’t require an overnight stay in Amish country. It could be done in a coffee shop, or one of those co-working spaces if you want some privacy and more room to spread out. However you do it, a few hours of thinking and conversation can set yourself up for a great New Year.
A food note: We’ve visited the Inn At Honey Run a few times over the years, and each time the food in their restaurant, Tarragon, has been excellent. Maintaining this excellence in a relatively remote area in Ohio is no small feat. It is well worth a visit, for the food alone!
Sunday Supper
This winter weather means we need some warm, comforting food. Try this Ginger-Garlic Shrimp With Coconut Milk, or this Cajun Gumbo. Tuck into this Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce after shoveling the driveway. A Molten Chocolate Mug Cake will make you feel all cozy as well.
Sunday Music
The great Joshua Redman performed a full set at Emmet’s Place! Tom Waits performs Innocent When You Dream, with Eddie Vedder at a benefit concert in 1998. Billy Strings brought his bluegrass artistry to the NPR Tiny Desk recently. And, lastly, comedian Anthony Jeselnik shares his ten favorite books of 2025. Enjoy!
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Have a great week ahead! You can do anything you set your mind to. Let me know how I can help.
Peace & Love,