To Inspire:

Kate Bowler, PhD, is a bestselling author and Associate Professor of American Religious History at Duke University. Diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer at 35, Kate spends some of her time thinking and writing about the ups and downs and imperfections of life and the magic of joy. In her words, “Joy doesn’t wait for things to get better. It shows up in hospital rooms, at tables where you can’t believe how much you miss that someone special. In the middle of a life that you really thought would work out differently.”

One of Kate’s favorite things to do when she passes some kind of “time threshold” – like a birthday, anniversary, or ushering in a new year – is to set aside some time to truly reflect on the year that just passed. As we kick off 2026, she encourages us to “notice what 2025 actually held—not the polished version…but the true stuff. The ache. The delight. ALL OF IT.”

Here are her Questions for the Year that Was, to help you reflect.

• What surprised you with its goodness?
• What did you carry farther than you thought you could?
• What have you outgrown, even if you’re not quite ready to say goodbye?
• Who helped you survive the year?
• Where did joy surprise you in 2025?
• What beauty did you witness that felt like it was just for you?
• What ache are you bringing with you into the new year?
• What is one thing you did that your past self would be proud of?
• What did you lose that deserves to be remembered?
• What do you hope to make room for in 2026 – not as a resolution, but as a holy invitation?
• If you could write a blessing for the year ahead, what would it say?

Since her cancer diagnosis and successful treatment, Kate thinks and writes a lot about focusing on gratitude and hope while acknowledging our imperfect lives. These questions reflect that and I encourage you to set aside some time this weekend and truly think about the year that was – the good and the not-so-good – and the new year we’ve been given.

Wishing everyone a wonderful 2026!

Written by Michelle O’Brien, Manager of Marketing & Communications