Released on 1/11, this blog carries a special resonance. In numerology, 111 is considered an angel number, often signaling new beginnings, confidence, and the courage to move forward. It encourages letting go of the past, embracing opportunities, and stepping into personal growth. The timing of this post feels serendipitous, aligning perfectly with the themes of reflection, transition, and dreaming boldly for the year ahead.
As the holiday break came to an end, I found myself sitting in the rare quiet of reflection. For someone who loves their work, stepping away can feel strange—almost like abandoning a part of yourself. Work has always been a source of fulfillment for me, but this season reminded me how easy it is for work to become a socially acceptable addiction, much like overindulging in shopping, food, or social media. It’s a distraction that, while productive, can still rob you of life’s quieter, more essential moments.
This holiday season brought with it a rollercoaster of emotions. In November and December, I experienced the profound loss of two loved ones—an experience that shakes your foundation no matter how prepared you think you are. And yet, just as life closed one chapter, it opened another. Within the span of a week at the year’s end, my family welcomed two new babies—one from my cousin and another from my niece.
This juxtaposition of loss and new beginnings got me thinking deeply about the circle of life. Watching The Lion King in the theater with my family, I was struck by Mufasa’s wisdom about the interconnectedness of all living things. The realization resonated on a profound level: life is fleeting and unpredictable, and its beauty lies in this constant cycle of endings and beginnings.
The Courage to Be Present
In the middle of the grief and celebration, I consciously chose to carve out time for what matters most—being present. I spent quality time with my husband, my daughter, and myself, savoring the kind of moments we often rush past in the name of productivity. We laughed, played, shared stories, and created memories.
These moments reminded me of a truth we all know but often forget: presence is the best gift we can offer. It’s not about elaborate vacations or expensive experiences. It’s about showing up fully, free of distractions, and giving the people we love the space to feel seen and valued.
Presence isn’t just a gift to others; it’s a gift to yourself. It forces you to slow down, quiet your mind, and truly experience life as it unfolds —with the good, bad and ugly.—
Reflecting on the Year and Dreaming Big
As the year drew to a close, I took time to reflect on 2024 and envision the possibilities of 2025. Reflection is such a powerful tool—not just to celebrate successes but to learn from challenges. What worked? What didn’t? What lessons shaped me this year, and what habits need to be left behind?
Dreaming big is an essential part of my life and work. It’s not just about visualizing a better future but about having the courage to take the first step toward it. This year, one of my family’s dreams became a reality: my daughter was accepted into Green School Bali. This summer, we’ll be moving to Bali for a year or two, embarking on an adventure that feels equal parts exciting and terrifying.
Lessons from the Choice to Move
Deciding to move to Bali was not easy. Like any big decision, it came with sacrifices, anxieties, and a flood of “what ifs.” But ultimately, the decision was guided by a simple truth that my husband pointed out: “we aren’t getting any younger, either we do it now or we’ll never do it.”
If there’s one lesson I’ve learned from the circle of life, it’s this: when a dream calls to you and the opportunity presents itself, you have to say yes. Don’t keep postponing it for the mythical “right time.” The reality is, none of us knows how much time we have left on this planet. The longer we wait, the more we risk missing out on the extraordinary experiences that life has to offer.
Yes, saying yes comes with discomfort. It’s easy to worry about the future—about finances, logistics, or how life will change. But every dream worth pursuing comes with sacrifices. Those sacrifices are part of the journey, and they make the rewards on the other side even sweeter.
Moving to Bali is more than just a relocation for our family. It’s a declaration: we’re choosing to live fully and intentionally. We’re embracing the unknown, trusting that the lessons we learn and the growth we experience will far outweigh the discomfort of stepping into unfamiliar territory.
Lessons from the Circle of Life
This holiday season, the contrast between loss and new beginnings offered profound lessons:
1. Grief and Joy Can Coexist: Losing loved ones is one of life’s hardest realities, but welcoming new life reminds us that joy often grows alongside sorrow. The key is to make space for both and allow them to shape us in their own ways.
2. Life Is Fleeting—Say Yes to Your Dreams: If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do, stop waiting for the perfect moment. Life will never be free of uncertainties, but it’s better to embrace the risks and experience life fully than to look back with regret.
3. The Gift of Presence Is Priceless: Whether it’s with family, friends, or yourself, being present is the most meaningful gift you can give. It’s in those quiet, unassuming moments that life’s greatest joys are found.
4. The Circle of Life Is a Teacher: Endings and beginnings are inevitable, but each holds its own wisdom. Loss teaches us gratitude for what we’ve had, while new beginnings inspire us to dream and hope for what’s ahead.
As we step into 2025, I’m holding onto the lessons of this past year: the importance of balancing work with presence, the courage to say yes to life’s opportunities, and the gratitude for both the highs and lows of the circle of life.
The move to Bali represents more than just a change of scenery—it’s a testament to the power of saying yes to our dreams, even when it feels scary or uncertain. I’ll be sharing more about this journey soon, including the process of manifesting this dream and the lessons learned along the way.
In the meantime, I encourage you to pause, reflect, and dream big for yourself. Life is too short to live on autopilot. Whether it’s pursuing a passion, reconnecting with loved ones, or saying yes to a long-held dream, take the first step today.
Because if this holiday season taught me anything, it’s this: life is unpredictable, but it’s also beautiful. And every moment—whether it’s an ending, a beginning, or simply the space in between—is a chance to live fully, deeply, and courageously.
To your success and abundance!
Tania
P.S. There’s still time to come join me next week in person in San Diego for Money & You. If you come let me know so I can give you a big hug! Click here to learn more and sign up.
