25 Things I’m Grateful For in 2025

So, something different this week…

I’m in full-on reflection mode heading into the winter break, and instead of my usual monthly wins post, I’m sharing a simple gratitude list for the year – inspired by all of the Thanksgiving-themed chat and Friends re-runs in my life.

Here are a few things I’m grateful for from 2025. Some big, some small, but all appreciated.

(Look, I know it’s early but I’m milking the reflection this year. It’s been a big one)

What’s on yours? I’d love to hear.

Work & Growth:

Starting at Greater Cambridge Impact as Investment Director (6 month anniversary today!)
Discovering I can be bold in high-stakes conversations
The opportunity to build infrastructure that will outlast me
That moment when the balance sheet finally balanced!
Difficult lessons from tough times paying off (Financial crisis anyone?)
Working 10 minutes from home instead of commuting
Seeing my kids more without the commute

Writing & Community:

My UPFRONT Bond 8 Writing Accountability group one year anniversary!
1500 article views on fayemcdonough.com (pinch me)
Conversations with readers who tell me how I helped
Writing weekly for clarity
Finding my authentic voice (and keeping it)
Deep and honest friendship (you know who you are)

Personal & Relationships:

Mr McD leading the way with mid-week dinners (GAME CHANGER)
Solo break away (going again next year!)
My youngest rocking out to Blue Monday like a born Mancunian
Early mornings watching the Ashes with the eldest (I still have faith)
When the night draws in and I’m so happy to be home
Finding joy in yoga – nailing a full wheel, being halfway towards a headstand with A LOT of stillness along the way

Home & Daily Life:

My new heated clothes airer (embarrassingly life-changing!)
The two cats in the yard – Tom & Jim McDonough

Big Picture:

Learning what “enough” visibility actually is for me
Two board roles teaching me different things
Being braver than I thought I could be
Learning to choose peace over performance

Questions for Your Own Reflection

What professional capability did you discover in yourself this year that surprised you?
Where did you choose peace over performance, and how did that feel?
What hard-won skill from your past turned out to be more valuable than you expected?
What does “enough” mean for you right now – in work, in visibility, in achievement?
What are you most grateful for from 2025?

I’m gifting myself a December digital detox so I’m signing off from the online world for the year now to read, rest, and let new ideas surface naturally. Thank you for being here, for reading, for engaging, and for making this year of writing feel worthwhile.

I’ll be back in January with fresh thoughts and new reflections. Until then, I’d genuinely love to hear what’s on your gratitude list for 2025. And if you have thoughts on what you’d like to see next year, don’t forget you can email me at hello@fayemcdonough.com.