A Year of Lessons: Axplore Reflections
- Oct 24, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 25
Yes, it's Motivational and Reflective—But with an Axplore Spin!
As I travel another year around the sun, here are some lessons I learned along the way.
Tap In To Grow Your Mind.
Melding of Past and Present
Moving from San Diego, I knew I would miss the warmth the most. When the first crisp air hit, I knew that winter was quickly approaching. I remember thinking it was so funny how much salt was scattered all over the streets—at some places, you couldn’t even see the pavement. As the cold days came and passed, I recalled how winter can bring a sense of magic—the covered paths, white and naive to steps. The mystery and glimmering sparkles dancing across the blanket. It was Atlas’s, my dog, first full-blown winter. Since she was not used to the cold, she got cold paws relatively quickly. She would stop, dead in her tracks, raise her paw, and soulfully look up. Sometimes it was the salt from the roads; most of the time, it was because her paw pads were too cold. I bought her little booties—yes, they were the funniest thing. One of my favorite moments was hearing her walking in the snow with them. Crunch, crunch went the snow. Reflecting on this time afterward brings me closer to my younger self, who absolutely loved playing in the snow, and to this older version who had distanced herself from the concept of winter. While you never want to live in the past, it is essential not to forget your personal journey to where you are and what has defined you along the way.
A New Type of Vacation
Typically, when I take a vacation, I like to experience and immerse myself as much as humanly possible. Every minute of every day, I am moving, observing, and cherishing different ways of life. Ready by 6 am to axplore, maximizing time to take in the surroundings. Thinking, how does 2 pm here differ from my normal? This year, I was able to challenge my norm and slow down—for the first time. No day was rushed; it was intentional. Minutes seemed to pass by more slowly, as well. It was a different type of vacation—equally meaningful. Every morning, I’d head out to the garden to pluck a lime and make our refreshing limeade. I realized my movements felt more purposeful—as I had more time to acknowledge them in the current context. As we are pushed to move faster, be more successful, have larger goals—I urge you to step back every once in a while to confirm that it is the right direction for you. Break through the noise.
The Battle of Routines
Atlas has the best internal alarm clock of any person or animal I know! Once I get in a routine of waking up, you better believe she will let me know on the dot, and the same goes for dinnertime. As humans, we crave some sort of normalcy. For example, consider meal times or gym frequency. This year, I discovered how much the presence of other gym-goers affects my baseline energy. I frequented a bustling gym; however, once school breaks began, I suddenly felt considerably less motivated. Leaning into this notion helped me better understand my mind-body connection. Offering myself grace when my mind overpowers, and consciously stepping into places that renew my energy, increasing the baseline.
Fresh, I mean Fresh, Does it Matter?
Have you heard of the IKEA effect? Studies show that there is a higher perceived value and satisfaction when one puts in more time and effort. Well, I wonder if the same goes for food? I am golden-hued, with an aroma that awakens your senses—zesty, cleansing, and pebbled to the touch. What am I?
Known well along the Amalfi Coast, I am the humble lemon. I had the opportunity to visit the beautiful coastline and was speechless with the depth and brightness of this simple, fresh ingredient. At home, lemons do not taste as invigorating—I ate nature’s depiction of sharpness, while balancing delightfulness. Love truly grows in the garden—dedication, time, resilience. The lemons were growing on the trees right in front of us, ripe for picking. I appreciated the work that went into the garden as I sat in the middle of it. It is a timely reminder that good things do take time: an old saying, but a hard truth.
Yes, Get Out
Not from the room—from your left brain. Time to tap into the right side, that creativity and problem-solving. I found that, for me, axploring—as I say on this site—really captures new ideas. Every weekend, I made a point of axploring somewhere new, nearby with Atlas. It was fantastic for her and me, new smells for her and new possibilities for me. That concept might not resonate with everyone, but switching up the routine may yield some insightful revelations. Why not try?
“No” That Taught Me to Grow
This year has been full of decisions, tough ones. Reflecting on some of the most challenging parts, these moments tested my resilience the most. There are times when the next step is hard to see, but if you keep hope—you will find your footing. Celebrate small victories, reach out for support, and build your grounding tactics. This is as much for me as it is for you!
Forever Build onto Memories
You received a promotion? You adopted a new puppy? You climbed Mt. Fuji? As humans, sharing is in our DNA. This year, I shared an influential childhood place with others. Similar to melding the past and present—but also allowing the memory to grow. This is how you forever remain in the “good ol’ times.” Your mind may create that binary idea that the memory is in the past, but you have the power to integrate it into your future.
Make Time
Everyone is on their own timeline. People are increasingly busy; time is money. As you get older, the time becomes sectioned down to the 5-minute mark. People ask themselves: Is this relationship worth the energy? As time seems to slip away, remember that your meaningful connections need fueling. Set that reminder if need be. Reaching out can be restoring, reminding us that genuine growth often begins with connection. This year, I was able to reconnect with some brilliant friends, and for that I am so grateful. Go call yours—life gets brighter!
I Dare You, Go the Opposite Way
Going against the grain feels impossible—But it can set you free. 1, 2, 3, what is next? Not 4! You can learn twice as much by going the other way. You may fall more along the way, but remember that every failure is packed with lessons—often more than success ever teaches. Pay attention to the little things as you move. Who is against you? Why might they be? You might disrupt their plan. Who is watching silently, maybe following if successful? Consider where we could be if disruptors didn’t exist… No MLK, Malala Yousafzai, the list goes on.
I am thankful that I am able to reflect. We are currently in a time where not everyone has the luxury. I hope that the lessons I’ve shared have found a meaningful place in your journey. If you do find time to reflect, do—it fosters heightened gratitude and appreciation.
Cheers to axploring and staying forever curious.
For questions and comments, please Reach Out!
