Reader,
For me, there’s something magical about the New Year. ✨ The chance to reflect, reset, and step forward with intention feels like a gift—a fresh start full of possibilities.
New Year’s is tied for my top two favorite holidays (Christmas still has my heart 🎄). I love the opportunity to pause, look back, and dream about what’s ahead. Each year, Wes and I have a tradition: we go on a date to reflect on the past year. We talk about what went well, what didn’t, and what we learned.
For me, this moment of reflection is just as important as setting new goals.
Why? Because the lessons of the past year are stepping stones to what’s next. Gratitude for even the smallest moments reminds me that big things don’t always have to feel “big” to matter. The small victories, the quiet joys, and even the challenges—all of it is worth honoring.
But here’s the thing: we all approach New Year’s differently.
On this week’s podcast, Glenn and Phyllis share how their approach to this season is completely different from mine. And that’s okay—there’s no “right” way to do it. Whether you’re charging into January with a list of goals or easing into the year slowly, it’s all about finding what works for you.
One thing we all agree on? Small steps are the best way forward.
Whatever you want to accomplish this year, start small. Tiny, consistent actions will create the momentum you need to reach your goals.
🎧 Click here to listen to this week’s episode on YouTube!
Let’s make 2024 the year we stop running in circles and start living with intention. You don’t have to figure it out alone—we’re here to walk this path with you.
Click below to watch on YouTube ⬇️
Or click on your favorite place to listen:
Looking Forward to 2025 🚀
We are so excited about what’s ahead for the Connection Codes community.
This year is packed with exciting plans, and we have a HUGE announcement coming soon—something many of you have been asking for. Stay tuned! 🎉
In the meantime, we’re kicking off the year adding to this group of exceptional humans with our Certified Coaching Program. In 2024, we launched easily our favorite pillar of the Connection Codes by adding certified coaches. This program is helping people like you bring Connection Codes tools to their communities, creating ripple effects of connection and transformation.
If you’ve been curious about becoming a Certified Coach, we’d love to answer your questions. You can book a call this week or send us an email—we’re here to help.
Upcoming Events
January 17th
San Angelo, Texas
Phyllis and Echo are speaking at the 25th annual Heart of Motherhood Retreat. For Christian women who desire to deepen their connection to God while building a community of mothers on the same mission. Tickets are available here.
January 17th-19th
Asheville, North Carolina
Tera will be speaking at the Moving Mountains Retreat. This is an intimate retreat for women who looking to start their year with focus, clarity, and ready to move the mountain currently standing in the way of their goals. Tickets are available here(Tickets sold as pairs or groups)
February 21st-22nd
Austin, Texas
Dr Glenn & Phyllis are leading the Love, Sex, and Marriage 2-day conference, including a Late Night session at the Bethel Austin campus. Tickets are available here.
Want to book Dr Glenn & Phyllis or Tera to speak at your next in-person/ virtual event or host a workshop? Respond to this email to let us know what you are dreaming up.
🤗 We are curious...
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Whatever you are working towards in 2025, we are here to support you in your goals. Let us know how we can partner with you to experience growth, connection, and joy in your life.
Lastly, remember that no goal is too small. If organizing your closet is what your body needs right now- that is an amazing goal. We are all in different seasons and different journeys. Wherever you are, we simply hope you don't stay stuck.
You need this. You deserve this.
Let's do this.
Ps. Want your own New Year planning date? Grab your notebook. (I have a designated one for this so I can look back at previous years.) Spend a few minutes journalling together:
"What went well?" "What didn't go well?" "What do we want moving forward?"
Then share what you reflected on.
This practice has impacted us tremendously over the years. The key is to approach with curiosity. For years Wes shared pain around our sexual relationship. I heard it year after year. But as he shared, he didn't condemn me or belittle me. He simply shared it was an area he desired growth. I agreed. And we tried to make improvements the next year. (We just had a long way to go... 🙃)
If you get stuck, look back at photos from the last year to jog your memory. You can do an issue-specific wheel if a particular topic creates tension.
Also, we offer a lot of grace for ourselves and each other, these goals are guidelines.
When I looked back at last year, I hadn't accomplished the majority of what I wrote. But when I looked back to 2 years ago, almost all the goals were now checked off 🙌🏻
For years, we did this at home after the kids went to bed. Now, we get dressed up and go to the same restaurant, often the same booth. Make it what feels good to you :)