This week has been a delightful blend of festive joy, meaningful connections, and exciting anticipation for a sparkling 2025! From heart-warming (extended) family gatherings and delicious feasts to professional updates and rediscovering the power of simple self-care, it’s been a time of pure positivity and forward momentum.

Personal Celebrations: Festive Joy and Delicious Delights

The holiday spirit was truly alive and well this year! Celebrating Christmas with my family and a cherished friend was an absolute delight. We shared laughter, created beautiful memories, and basked in the warmth of shared traditions.

And of course, no celebration is complete without some truly delicious food! I had a blast baking traditional Polish poppy seed cakes (makowiec) – the aroma alone was enough to fill the house with festive cheer! And I also enjoyed preparing other Polish Christmas classics like Christmas Eve pasties (Paszteciki wigilijne) and perfectly crispy breaded carp.

Let’s talk wine! Along with the food, we opened some truly exceptional bottles that elevated our celebrations even further:

• A 2010 rosé d’Anjou was a burst of summer in a glass,
• a 2013 Juliénas (red) was equally delightful.
• We even unearthed a sparkling rosé from 1996 (or was it 1995?) from the talented winemaker Moine-Vincendeau in Noizay.

Each sip was a reminder of the joy of sharing special moments with loved ones. While these wines were a treat, I realised I am going to miss my perfect wine cellar back in Perrusson – pitch black, no vibrations, and consistently stable humidity and temperature year-round. It truly was a haven for preserving those liquid treasures!

As if the celebrations weren’t wonderful enough, I received a great Christmas gift: “Losing my Virginity,” Sir Richard Branson’s autobiography. I’m incredibly inspired by his entrepreneurial spirit and zest for life, and I can’t wait to dive into his incredible story.

Professional: Exciting Opportunities on the Horizon

On the professional front, I’ve made some exciting updates to my online presence, including adding a direct link to my LinkedIn profile on this website. This makes connecting even easier, and I’m excited to see what new opportunities arise.

I’m also clarifying what I’m looking for in my next professional adventure: a fully remote role or a hybrid position that allows for occasional travel – up to three hours for meetings or in-person collaborations. I’m eager to find a role where I can contribute my skills and passion to a dynamic and innovative team.

Inner: Rediscovering the Power of Simple Joys

This week has also been about reconnecting with myself and nurturing my inner well-being. I’m thrilled to have re-established my morning routine, which sets a positive and productive tone for each day.

I’ve also been reflecting on Robin Sharma’s insightful concept of the four interior empires: mindset, heartset, healthset, and soulset. This week, I focused on tending to these areas by simply connecting with close friends and enjoying precious moments with my partner and daughter. I’ve realized that cultivating inner peace and happiness doesn’t require grand gestures; it’s about appreciating the simple joys and nurturing meaningful connections.

Looking Forward to a Brilliant 2025!

This week has been a beautiful blend of celebration, heartfelt connections, and a hopeful outlook for a sparkling 2025. From festive joy, gatherings and delectable treats to professional progress and rediscovering the power of simple self-care, it’s been a truly uplifting and fulfilling experience.

As we are going to step into 2025, I’m filled with excitement and anticipation for the adventures ahead. I’m committed to pursuing my goals with passion, nurturing my relationships with love, and continuing my journey of self-discovery with joy.

I’d love to hear about your week! What moments brought you joy? What are you most looking forward to in 2025? Share your thoughts with me in the comments below – let’s spread the positivity!

Bonus!

I thought this would be a good idea to share an extract of “Losing my Virginity” by Sir Richard Branson. You’re welcome! 😉