During December in Sonoma County, especially in Healdsburg, Tom and I were joyfully busy with social events. In this photo, taken after a beautiful holiday gathering with family and friends, we are soaking in the incredible moments we had just experienced, moments which made us realize what matters most, the goodness and spirit of our family and friends.

Two days later, Tom, our sweet Frenchie Zsa Zsa, and I packed up and drove down to our vacation home in Rancho Mirage. We spent New Year’s Eve there, in the place that has quietly become our reset button, a place where the pace slows, the calendar opens up, and the noise of the season finally quiets down.

The holiday season at home is wonderful, but it’s also intense. Between family gatherings, community events, client conversations, and the natural year-end push in real estate, December moves fast. Very fast. This time away gives me the space to take a breath and truly think.

Every year, I use this pause to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what truly matters as I step into the year ahead. I spread out last year’s goals, look honestly at where I want to grow, and begin building my marketing and business plan for the coming year.

Equally important, I give myself permission to unwind. My days are filled with unrushed mornings, a few hikes, a few tennis games, good dinners—and, of course, time spent thoughtfully working on my business plan for 2026. No urgency. Just recovery after a beautiful holiday season filled with people, laughter, and constant motion back home.

This post-holiday time is something I value deeply, both personally and professionally. The clarity that comes from stepping away always makes me better at what I do when I return, more focused, more creative, and more present.

As the new year begins, I’m grateful for the work, the people, the places that ground us, and the opportunity to begin again with intentional goals.

Here’s to starting the year refreshed, inspired, and ready to make things happen in 2026.