Now is the time to relax, reflect, and refocus.
As I sat down to write my final newsletter/blog for 2024, I was in a reflective mode. I then realized that my December 2023 blog was called, “Relax. Reflect. Refocus.” Life and work really do have seasons. This year, I’m also adding a bit of cozy - what the Scandinavians call “hygge.” The amazing Gill Moakes reminded me of this term. The exact definition:
Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) is a Danish word used to describe the Scandinavian concept of coziness and contentment that stems from enjoying life's simple pleasures.
So, in this final part of 2024, I’m sharing one of my most comforting recipes… I hope you will find your community and bake with or for them. I’m also sharing last year's blog with a few updates. My New Year’s wish for everyone in my community is that you are able to find small places to integrate this concept of hygge.
December is upon us, and for entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders, it's not just the end of a month but the culmination of another year filled with challenges, triumphs, and valuable lessons. As we say goodbye to 2024, it's crucial to take a step back, breathe, and consciously prepare for the opportunities that lie ahead in 2025. Now is the time to relax, reflect, and refocus.
Relax: Recharging for the Journey Ahead
The end of the year can be hectic, with deadlines, projects, and last-minute goals converging. And the holidays! However, before diving headfirst into the next year, let’s take a moment to relax. This doesn't necessarily mean an extended vacation (though that could be beneficial), but rather finding moments of respite amid the busyness. Whether it's a quiet weekend, a day off, or even just a few hours dedicated to unwinding, allowing yourself to relax is not just a luxury; it's a necessity. My friend Ellen used the phrase, “removing myself from social rotation” and somehow that feels right. For you, it might be reconnecting with folks.
Relaxation is more than just physical rest; it's about mental rejuvenation. Consider activities that bring you joy and peace – whether it's spending time with loved ones, engaging in a hobby, or simply taking a stroll in nature. A rested mind is more creative, focused, and better equipped to tackle the challenges of the future.
Reflect: Learning from the Past
Take the time to reflect on 2024 - it was a rough one for many. What were the highs and lows? What worked well for your business, and what could be improved? Reflection is not about dwelling on mistakes - it’s about learning from them. Celebrate your achievements, acknowledge the challenges, and distill the lessons that will shape your strategy moving forward.
It’s easy to just plow ahead and forget. This introspective process not only provides valuable insights but also lays the foundation for informed decision-making in the coming year.
Refocus: Setting Intentions for 2025
If you’ve been with me for a while, you know I’m not a ‘resolutions’ person. With a rested mind and insights from reflection, it’s easier to refocus your energies for the year ahead. For business, this involves setting clear intentions, defining goals, and crafting a strategic plan. What do you want to achieve in 2025? Are there new markets to explore or products to launch? For you, the human, ask the same questions - what do you want to achieve for yourself in 2025? What do you want to explore and what are you curious about?
Engage your team or clients in this process, fostering a sense of collective purpose and commitment. A well-defined roadmap not only provides direction but also serves as a motivational tool.
December is a time to wrap up the year and it's a valuable opportunity to recharge, learn, and set the stage for a successful 2025. By embracing relaxation, reflection, and refocusing, entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders can ensure they enter the new year with clarity, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Nutella-Stuffed Brown Butter & Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies
Adapted from: Tasty Kitchen
Nothing is cozier to me than warm cookies. And our family has been Nutella obsessed since about 1978 - lol.
Ingredients
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoons salt
1 cup unsalted butter
1¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
1¾ cup mix of chocolate chips - semi-sweet, milk, dark - whatever you like!
1 13 oz jar Nutella, chilled
Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Preparation
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl and set aside.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. The butter will begin to foam. Make sure you whisk constantly during this process. After a couple of minutes, the butter will begin to brown on the bottom of the saucepan; continue to whisk and remove the pan from heat as soon as the butter begins to brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Immediately transfer the butter to a large bowl to prevent burning. Set the butter aside to cool slightly.
With an electric mixer, mix the slightly cooled butter and sugars until thoroughly blended.
Beat in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and yogurt until combined.
Add the dry ingredients slowly and beat on low speed just until combined.
Gently fold in all of the chocolate chips.
Chill the dough for 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
Once dough is chilled, measure about 1½ tablespoons of dough and roll into a ball. Flatten the dough ball very thinly into the palm of your hand.
Place 1 teaspoon of chilled Nutella in the middle and place another disk of dough over the Nutella, pinching the edges closed. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but make sure that the Nutella is not seeping out of the dough.
Place dough on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, 2 inches apart.
Bake the cookies 9-11 minutes until the edges of the cookies begin to turn golden brown.
They will look a bit underdone in the middle but will continue to cook once out of the oven.
Cool the cookies on the sheets for at least 2 minutes.
Sprinkle with a little sea salt.
Remove the cooled cookies from the baking sheets after a few minutes and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
The original recipe says, “best if served a tiny bit warm” and I agree! They may not last until they cool!!
Comments