Summer Sorensen

Some years feel like running a marathon uphill… in the rain… while carrying a backpack full of bricks. That’s how 2025 has often felt for me so far — but I’ve also found unexpected treasures along the way.

I’m not complaining, just stating the facts. Just the facts, ma’am.

In thinking on the current state of things, it’s worth noting that breakthroughs are often found not in the busyness of life, but in the quiet moments.

James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, points out the power of the shower. He adds, “Some of the best ideas come when you’re not trying to have them. They come when you’re relaxing or letting your mind wander. That’s why they often arrive when you’re unplugged, like in the shower.” — That was partly a paraphrase.

I’ve found that reflecting on lessons learned is often the best way to make sense of life and move forward strategically. That said, here is a list of things I’ve learned or relearned so far this year — a mix of personal and business applications.

Things I’ve learned in 2025

1. God always provides for His kids.When I’m stressing about the state of my business or the economy, He’s still faithful — providing what we need and more. We just need to pause and remember. And be thankful.
2. This has been a year of plenty in terms of the garden.Mike slips out to the garden daily to care for his harvest, which includes a variety of vegetables and fruits. As I’m reading through the Old Testament this year, I’m reminded again that it is God who provides the plenty. This truth has come alive for me this year:
   

   The earth has yielded its produce;
   God, our God, blesses us.
   So that all the ends of the earth may fear Him.

   — Psalm 67:6–7

   I’m super grateful for our garden bounty. As I shared last year, we began the process of canning food. I will continue that with gusto. It’s so satisfying to enjoy our produce all fall and winter, long after the plants in the garden have shriveled up and died.

3. Politicians are not your friends, regardless of whether your person is in office.We all tend to interpret headlines charitably if we like who’s in office, or with dread if we don’t. We think we’re “winning” with the former, and are afraid for our liberties with the latter. The truth is, our system is full of corruption from top to bottom. Even the most well-meaning politician will either get entangled in it, or stopped by it if their conviction gets in the way of business as usual. No matter how much you like them or hate them, they are flawed, sinful humans who will let you down more than you think. The takeaway: don’t put your hope in politicians. The psalmist warned us of the same:
   

   Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.

   — Psalm 146:3

   

4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a powerful force that no one can fully control.Nor can anyone predict how it will evolve and how fast. As a marketing entrepreneur, I keep close tabs on developments. I subscribe to several tools and regularly try out others. I am a member of the AI Business Society, where I receive training from the sharpest minds and a community that keeps me informed about the latest developments. What it can already do is stunning. What will it be capable of in weeks, months, years? That is the hotly debated question that clogs up my LinkedIn feed.

   Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to try it if you haven’t. But use it with discernment. Like any other digital activity, if you don’t want it broadcast to the world, don’t put it in ChatGPT. That’s my position anyway.

5. Accountability leads to accelerated results.I was reminded of that with a coach I worked with on a few sessions this summer. We all have a goal or five we are looking to accomplish, right? One of my big ones this year is growing my YouTube channel and corresponding brand for Middle Age Adventures (← Instagram link). It’s a side hustle/creative passion that grew out of the realizations I had last year about balancing my passions.

   The coach suggested that I create an accountability circle with others who are trying to grow a YouTube channel. I happen to know a few, so it’s on!

6. Sometimes the best resources are right in front of you.Chances are, you already have what you need to get started on that thing.

   Want to start walking more? If you already have the t-shirts and sneakers, nothing is stopping you.

   Trying to lift weights more often? Do you have the dumbbells or the gym membership? You know what to do.

   When it comes to that YouTube challenge, turns out that my husband Mike is also building a channel for his watercolor art. So voilà, an in-house accountability partner.

   We’ve been running contests for the last couple of months to see who can get the most videos published. That helps us stay motivated. Also, if you’re wondering, I’ve won the last two months. 😉

   Since the loser buys dinner out of their business account, Mike’s watercolor business treated us to a nice pub meal at a fantastic little spot in Bigfork, MT, on our way home from Yellowstone. Victory is sweet. 😉

   I also have to remind myself that if we were able to get away for a week’s vacation, things could definitely be worse.
   
   
   

    

   
   
   

Closing thoughts

To land the plane, what I’ve re-learned this year is that the best things to do are:

• Keep putting in the reps. Do the work.
• Keep your clients happy, observe what’s working and what’s not, and adjust as needed.
• Don’t get hung up on what was. Push forward into what could be.
• Be grateful for your blessings. They are far more abundant than we often realize.
• For my fellow Christian readers, may you continue to trust in God. He provides.

Maybe 2025 isn’t the mountaintop year I was anticipating. But through it all, God has shown me the wildflowers He provides for my enjoyment on the uphill climb.

How’s your 2025 going so far? I’ve heard from others that it has been a tough year. I’d be glad to hear from you!