Hello, friends...

It's my first day back in the office after a month-long break. 

I took four weeks completely off work—no emails, no meetings, no clients, no writing deadlines. This break was the ultimate gift to myself at the end of a big, demanding year. 

During my break, I baked banana muffins with my toddler ... hiked through the Kona Cloud Forest with my sister ... played charades with my mom and dad ... constructed an elaborate "tree made out of lights" with my husband which we agreed looked slightly chaotic and unhinged, but also very festive ... and reconnected with the parts of my identity that have nothing to do with my career or professional accomplishments. 

(Perhaps most importantly, on my break, I won a "Dip-Off" competition with my homemade cheddar-beer dip served with spicy honey drizzle and crisp bacon on top, accompanied by warm bread for dipping. Winning 1st place was such a rush! The thrill of victory was intoxicating! I became insufferable afterward, boasting about my dip to anyone who would listen, and forcing people to look at photos and, yes, even video footage of it!)

Today, I'm enjoying a slow, quiet re-entry back into work.

I wanted to share a few things that have been inspiring me lately: audiobooks, podcast episodes, and more. 

I hope these add beauty, possibility, and fresh ideas to your life as we begin the New Year...

• Retire Often: How Anyone Can Take Multiple Career Breaks to Unlock Adventure, Advance Their Career, and Find Financial Freedom by Jillian Johnsrud

I listened to this audiobook during my break. The author explains why it's so valuable to take career breaks (one to three months off work, or longer if you want) many times, rather than just one long retirement at the end of your life. 

Johnsrud calls these breaks "mini-retirements." Time to focus on health, family, and personal goals, travel, learn new skills, and experience life at a slower pace. 

She breaks down how to plan your next sabbatical, get the most out of the time, and swing it financially and logistically, no matter what kind of career you have. 

"Why retire once when you can retire often?" 

I love this concept and am planning my next mini-retirement!

• The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Cries by Rachel Rodgers

My colleague and friend Rachel Rodgers wrote this deeply honest recap of 2025, describing her highs, lows, and obstacles she overcame. 

Reading her recap inspired me to write my own. It's so cathartic to get all the feelings out of your body and onto the page.

Sidebar: Congratulations to Rachel on her new audiobook, Your Debt Plan. An Audible Original. A must-listen if you have a pile of debt you'd like to pay off! 

• The Next Chapter with Ellen Fondiler

My friend Ellen invited me to come on her podcast, The Next Chapter. A show where she talks to people who are craving a change and trying to figure out, "What's next for me?"

We recorded this episode one year ago (you can listen to it on Spotify, too), at a time when I was grappling with many questions ("Should I stay in Hawaii or move? What's next for my career? Why do I feel so restless?") 

It was an open, honest talk. Ellen asked such good, thought-provoking questions! One of my favorite podcast conversations I've ever done.

Ellen and I are recording a follow-up episode in a few weeks (to reveal "Where is Alex now, one year later?"), so you'll hear an update soon.

On a related note: if you are craving a new season in your career and life, check out Ellen's coaching program. She'll help you evolve from where you are now ... to where you want to be next.

Wishing you fresh energy and expansive possibilities as we head into 2026.

-Alex

PS. Peaceful background music that I'm playing today.

PPS. In case you missed these...

• My favorite books that I read in 2025
• New card decks, games, and books that I created recently in collaboration with several wonderful publishers 
• My end-of-the-year ritual (a great thing to do at the beginning of the year, too)