I’d write about things like going to a birthday party for a friend’s toddler, celebrating my anniversary, or heading out to a local New Year’s Eve celebration, back when those nights out had not yet transitioned to the couch as they have in recent years.
Over the last decade, those lists have started to look very different. As I pivoted into the personal training world, ran more races than I can count, earned new certifications, and traveled for fun, conventions, concerts, or races, the recaps got busier. There was always a long list of highlights to look back on, and I got used to that feeling of constant momentum.
But this year felt a little different. When I started thinking about putting together my 2025 recap, it felt like I didn't do much of anything.
What major events happened in 2025? The list was pretty short. Jack White came through Dallas, and that was a great show. I ran the Turkey Trot 10K in Fort Worth (and won the grand-masters division), but that was the only race I ran all year. I also took a quick trip to Pittsburgh to spend time with family and old friends, which was good for the soul, but that was about it.
Compared to last year, it felt a bit flat. Last year was a huge milestone year when I turned 50, ran a lot of races, went on a beach vacation, had a friend visit from out of town, and passed my board exams for health coaching. Going from that high energy to a year that felt so quiet was a strange adjustment.
What I realize now, though, is that the quiet was preparing me. It wasn’t intentional, but it was like I was lying low and building up energy for a grand finale I didn't quite see coming. All that stillness was just the lead-up to the biggest change of my professional life. After three decades in the corporate world, including twenty years at my most recent marketing position, I chose to step away so that I could devote myself entirely to the health and fitness practice I have been building for ten years.
It turns out that the "flat" months were exactly what I needed to prepare for this leap. I needed the space to settle into myself and decide what I really wanted the next phase of my life to look like.
Now that I’m here, it brings a lot of reflection. My focus has shifted away from goals and plans and toward bigger questions. I am thinking about how I can truly grow in this new chapter. I want to know how I can better serve the people I work with and provide more value to the teams and leaders I help.
I want to make sure the work I do feels meaningful. Just like wellness isn’t a destination you reach by winning a race or a number on the scale; this is a journey that requires a lot of grace and patience. Moving forward, my goal is to continue to help people become the healthiest versions of themselves.
So, while this year didn’t have the longest list of activities or accomplishments, it turned out to be one of the most significant years I’ve had in recent history. It was the year I chose to bet on myself.
Happy New Year to you. I am excited to see where this journey takes us. I’ll be back next week with my usual posts about health and fitness. I wish you the healthiest and happiest year yet! I am grateful you are here with me.
Questions? I’d love to help.
Lea
P.S. I’m opening up a few spots for free 30 minute health coaching calls this month. If you are a team leader, HR pro, or business owner, I’d love to help you get some personal clarity for the year ahead. To be clear, this isn’t a sales pitch in disguise. I just want to provide some real value and get to know the people in my network better. We can talk about your own health goals, what’s standing in your way, and how to help you feel more confident and energized in 2026. If you’d like a dedicated space to focus on yourself for a bit, schedule a complimentary call.
Lea Genders is a board-certified health coach, personal trainer, and workplace wellness consultant based in Fort Worth, TX. She offers corporate wellness programs for employee health and productivity, as well as in-person and virtual training / coaching for individuals worldwide. Her blog shares expert guidance on strength training, running, and sustainable nutrition @fortworth_trainer
Since 2009, my year-end recaps have been full of accomplishments, travel, races and certifications. But reflecting on 2025, things looked different. The year felt quiet, even a bit flat, compared to the milestones of past years. What I realized is that the stillness was actually a period of preparation. It was the space I needed to build up the energy for the biggest professional move of my life. After twenty years in my corporate role, I finally walked away to branch out on my own. Read more!