This is the perfect time to reflect as we step into a new year.

Beyond the usual resolutions and goals, a deeper question emerges: Are you charting your own course or simply drifting in currents set by others?

The answer could reshape not just where you’re headed, but how you’ll get there. As I reflected on this question, it was a reminder of a pivotal moment in my own journey.

I had the privilege of being a guest on Thriving Women TV recently. (Will share the content when it goes live.) During the conversation, they surprised me by sharing a video I posted on YouTube 10 years ago—the very first video I ever created and shared publicly. At the time, my hair was just growing back very curly, after cancer treatment, and recording that video felt both vulnerable and empowering.

I had forgotten about this video and seeing it again brought back a wave of emotions and valuable reminders about the journey I’ve been on. It’s a journey filled with lessons about finding purpose and focusing on what truly matters—the real things in life.

What makes that moment even more special was having my dog, Bébé, next to me on our boat as the video was being recorded. Bébé was a true companion during my last cancer journey, offering unwavering support and comfort when I needed it most. Her presence in that video is a reminder of the strength we find in those who walk (or paddle) alongside us.

BTW, Bébé was the second Great Pyrenees we brought into our home. I named her Bébé Monté Neige ~ which translates to Baby Snow Mountain. 😊

Reflections on Charting Your Own Course

I shared on that video that I felt like a passenger in someone else’s canoe for years. I was paddling hard but getting nowhere meaningful, caught in a cycle of meeting others’ expectations without considering my own purpose. It wasn’t until I chose to take the helm of my life – to chart my own course – that things began to change.

Finding my path wasn’t easy. It required intention, courage, and the willingness to make mistakes. Just like sailing or navigating any vessel, it meant adjusting the sails when the wind shifted and staying focused even when the waters got rough. Along the way, I discovered the power of connection, resilience, and aligning my efforts with what truly matters to me.

A Lesson for the New Year

As we embrace this new year, let’s take a moment to reflect on your own path. Are you moving toward your goals with purpose, or are you simply going through the motions? Are you steering your own ship, or letting someone else set the course?

If you’re feeling stuck or uncertain, remember that it’s never too late to realign. Whether it’s by pursuing a passion, setting new goals, or simply focusing on the small but meaningful things in life, every step forward is progress.

Are You Ready to Take the Helm?

I invite you to watch the short video and reflect on your own journey. Let it be a source of inspiration to navigate your path and steer toward what truly matters. It’s your life, your journey, and your chance to create something meaningful.