This and That: An End of Year Reflection

I can't believe it's been 5 months since I wrote my last newsletter. I have no excuse, other than not taking the time to put the proverbial 'pen to paper'. Which of course is nonsense. My fingers are ticking away on my keyboard, so nothing to do with a pen or paper.

I love writing, yet for some inexplicable reason, I didn't take the time to do something I enjoy. It's not the only enjoyment I forgo in my life and I have to ask myself (again) why I deny myself pleasurable activities that are good for me. It's always with the excuse that other things are more important. Does anyone recognize themselves in this behavior?

For the past two+ weeks I've been back in West Virginia (Almost Heaven). I'm in the role of a caregiver at this time, as my sister experienced a severe setback with her health. She was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer back in September 2020. It metastasized very quickly to her brain, for which she received radiation treatment. The radiation has affected her speech and balance. The combination with extreme fatigue from all the treatment, left her vulnerable and she landed in the hospital 4 weeks ago.

It's been a challenging transition for both of us. We are sisters first, also great friends and now she is dependent on me, at least for the present time. I find it a huge responsibility. The rest of our family is in Canada and my husband is back in the Netherlands. Thank goodness for good friends!

As we enter the tradition of celebrating the end of 2024 and entering into the New Year of 2025, it's definitely with mixed feelings.

So many good things happened in 2024! There have been several podcast interviews, facilitating multiple DEI workshops working with the fantastic Amplify Empathy VR group, corporate resilience and navigating stress workshops/trainings (not as many as I would have liked), losing 35 lbs. (more to go), attending a memorable Female Wave of Change conference in Geneva, completing our Mindful Change e-learning program which will soon be launched, donating 1000 euros to Project Fearless from my INleadership foundation, and meeting and collaborating with so many lovely people.

As we enter into 2025 (for some you're already there but where I am now, we still have a few hours to go), I wish you an inspiring year filled with many learnings! Navigate life's stresses with grace and agility. Deepen your connections—with yourself and with others—and trust that you have what it takes to thrive, not just survive.

Embrace this year with curiosity and courage, focusing on what truly matters. Whether it's prioritizing your wellbeing, fostering trust in your relationships, or simply being kinder to yourself, every step forward counts. I'm going to be doing the same.

Here’s to 2025—a year where we live from our hearts, fueled by purpose, resilience, and the joy of lifelong learning. For all of you who have reached out to send greetings, please know they are deeply appreciated.

Mary Jane Roy is the owner of Creating Waves. She is committed to sharing knowledge and strategies to support thriving people in workspaces and organizations.

If you'd like more information about workshops, speaking engagements, panels, or consultancy customized to meet your organizational needs, please click here to learn how Mary Jane can support you.

“We Need More Heart! More Compassion, Kindness, Acceptance and Forgiveness - in our families, our workplaces and in the world.”

#livingfrommyheart