New Year Reflections: What I’m Taking Forward

The end of the year always brings with it a natural pause. A moment to look back, take stock, and think more intentionally about what comes next. Rather than setting a long list of resolutions, I’ve been spending time reflecting on three simpler questions: what I’m proud of, what I want to take with me into the new year, and what I’m ready to leave behind.

Something I’m Proud Of

This year has been one of steady progress rather than dramatic change for me. I’m proud of the consistency — showing up, continuing conversations, and keeping access, inclusion and sustainability at the centre of the work, even when it would have been easier to let them slip down the priority list.

In community rail, progress can sometimes look quiet on the surface. It’s found in improved confidence, better understanding, and small changes that make travel feel more welcoming. Being part of work that helps people feel more able to choose the train, whether for environmental reasons, independence, or connection to their community, is something I’m genuinely proud of.

What I Want to Take With Me Into the New Year

As the new year begins, I find myself wanting to carry forward a few things that have mattered most to me.

First, intentionality. Making thoughtful choices — about how we travel, how we engage with our communities, and how we design projects — has a real impact. Choosing more sustainable ways of getting around isn’t about perfection; it’s about awareness and doing what’s possible, when it’s possible.

Second, curiosity and listening. Some of the most valuable insights this year have come from listening to people’s lived experiences of travel. Taking the time to understand barriers, anxieties and motivations leads to better outcomes than assuming one-size-fits-all solutions.

Finally, hopeful realism. Sustainable travel can sometimes feel like a daunting challenge, but change happens incrementally. Every journey made by train instead of car, every person who feels more confident navigating the network, contributes to a bigger picture.

What I’m Ready to Leave Behind

Going into the new year, there are also a few things I’m consciously choosing to let go of.

The pressure to do everything at once is one of them. Meaningful change — whether personal or environmental - doesn’t come from burnout. It comes from steady, achievable steps that build over time.

I’m also leaving behind the idea that sustainable travel has to look the same for everyone. Accessibility, affordability and geography all play a role, and acknowledging that complexity allows for more honest and inclusive conversations.

Looking Ahead

The new year doesn’t need grand resolutions to be meaningful. Sometimes it’s enough to pause, reflect, and recommit to values that already guide us - sustainability, inclusion, and connection.

In my own reflections, I notice how small steps can quietly add up - trying a different route, exploring somewhere new, or simply paying attention to the way I travel. Little changes like these can make the journey feel fresher and more intentional.

Here’s to a new year shaped by reflection, intention, and small changes that accumulate over time!