A Quiet Goodbye To The Year: Winding Down the Year With Intention and Grace

December 15, 2025 | Daphne Oh

"Kindness doesn't cost a thing, but it adds so much value"

As the year begins to slow its pace and wind down, I feel myself doing the same. There’s something about this season…cool air, softer light, quieter mornings…that naturally invites reflection. I find myself looking back over the months behind me, not with judgment, but with gratitude.

This time of year, feels like a deep breath before the next chapter begins. And instead of rushing toward what is next, I’m allowing myself to fully arrive here. To be fully in the present moment and be grateful for all that I have experienced.

Reflecting Softly On All That Was: All About Intention

When I reflect on this past year, I see growth in places I once felt stuck. I see lessons that stretched me, moments that humbled me, and blessings that carried me when I felt tired. It's an amazing feeling to stop and look back and see all the progress I have made emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically. 

There were seasons of uncertainty, but also moments of unexpected joy. I didn’t always get it right, but I showed up. That's what mattered the most. That I showed up for myself and I'm so immensely proud of my efforts.

Reflection has become one of my most powerful tools. It allows me to honor where I’ve been, instead of rushing past it. Even though I don't live in the past, it helps shape my future. I have learned to give it the respect that it deserves in its place.

From Rushing To Rooted: This Year Mindfulness Gently Rewrote My Story

Mindfulness and intentional living have profoundly changed my life for the better. They have been my staple this year. Learning to slow down, to breathe, to respond instead of reacting. All these practices have softened me in ways I didn’t know I needed. When I say soften, I truly mean. Negative energy has been replaced by positive energy. When a negative thought creeps in, I try to be intentional and change it to something positive. I speak positive words over my life, my daughter's life, my family and even strangers. Kindness doesn't cost a thing, but it adds so much value.

Being intentional with my time, my energy, and my thoughts has helped me let go of unnecessary stress. It has taught me that peace doesn’t come from having everything under control. It comes from being present in the moment.

Because of mindfulness, I now notice the beauty in ordinary days. Days that I would normally take for granted, I am simply thankful to have now. Because of intention, I protect my peace more fiercely than ever before. If I could only explain in words how peaceful this year has been even through the chaos of our nation's affairs. Life has been amazingly peaceful and that's something that I just don't want to let go.

A Season That Soothes My Spirit: Finding Peace In Christmas Moments

The Christmas holiday has a way of wrapping the entire year together for me. There’s a peaceful stillness that settles in. One that feels both reflective and hopeful.

The glow of Christmas lights, the quiet mornings, the familiar songs playing softly in the background. It all feels like a gentle closing chapter. Christmas reminds me to pause, to appreciate, and to hold gratitude close.

It’s not just a holiday. It's a feeling. Let me repeat that. It's a FEELING. One that lingers long after the decorations come down. It goes beyond gifts and commercialism and it's just more than one day.

Another Year, Another Thank You: A Birthday Reflection

On December 8, I celebrated another year of life, and with that came deep gratitude. Each birthday feels less about age and more about perspective.

I’m grateful for the life I’ve been given. For the strength I’ve gained. For the lessons that shaped me. I'm grateful for the grace that carried me when I didn’t know how I’d make it through.

This birthday felt especially meaningful. It reminded me that life is a gift, not something to rush through, but something to savor.

A Love Like No Other: The Joy My Daughter Brings Into My Life

One of my greatest sources of pride is being a special needs mom to my autistic daughter, Kayla Bean. She has taught me more about love, patience, and resilience than I could ever put into words.

Watching her live out one of her dreams, being part of the special needs cheer team at her high school, has filled my heart beyond measure. Seeing her joy, her confidence, her determination. It's a reminder that dreams don’t look one way. They look like courage, perseverance, and being celebrated exactly as you are.

She inspires me daily. She is my daily blessing renewed. I am endlessly proud of the young woman she is becoming and I am grateful to The Most High for specifically choosing me to be her mama.

Every Lesson And Blessing Is Coming With Me

 

As I wind down the year, I don’t feel the need to rush into resolutions. I no longer believe in them. Instead, I have replaced them with intentions. I’m choosing gratitude, reflection, and gentle mindfulness. I’m proud of the woman I’ve become this year. I’m grateful for the life I live, and I’m hopeful for what’s ahead.

This season isn’t about endings. It's about honoring the journey and preparing my heart for what’s next. Most importantly, I am thankful for The Most High being my Shelter, Shield, Protector, Guider, Healer and so many more wonderful things throughout the year. My life would be completely impossible without Him. 

I’ve come a long way, and the best chapters are still unfolding.

I hope this blog has found you in good spirits and that you have enjoyed reading my thoughts on how I am winding 2025 and preparing for 2026. I truly appreciate everyone's support and really enjoy sharing my thoughts and experiences with everyone. Please leave a comment and share any of your experience and knowledge about resetting for the new year. You never know who you may be inspiring. Wishing everyone peace, happiness and abundance during this hoiday season. Just a reminder, there is a slight change in my future blogs. Instead of posting once a week, I will be posting twice a month on the 1st and 15th of each month. Although I truly enjoy writing and sharing my blogs, my plate seem to be overflowing lately and I had to make some adjustments and set some boundaries for my own mental wellness. I appreciate your understanding. There will still be blogs. Just not every week. Please check back weekly for my latest blogs and any that you may have missed. Some will be personal, others will be about spreading awareness and some will be a combination of both. Until next time...

 -Daphne Oh

Kay Bea Presents

"Same World, Different Perspective