Endings, Beginnings...and Everything In- Between 💕

And so, as the Christmas decorations still twinkle and the last crumbs of shortbread disappear.... I sit here wrapping up 2025, I can feel that familiar restless energy stirring - but it's not the restlessness of dissatisfaction. It's the restlessness of anticipation, of excitement, of knowing that something wonderful is just around the corner.

Our RV is calling to us - there are so many more roads to explore, friends to visit, places to discover and adventures to be had. We've barely scratched the surface of what this beautiful country has to offer, and I cannot wait to share more adventures with you all.

And then there's the big one - my book is launching in early 2026! I still sometimes can't quite believe I've actually written a book. Years of journals, early morning writing sessions in my Sanctuary, countless cups of coffee, and more rewrites than I care to admit... and here we are.

I'm both exhilarated and terrified in equal measure - It feels like I'm about to introduce you all to a piece of my soul… tender, imperfect, and deeply true.

Writing this book asked me to be honest in ways I hadn’t fully anticipated. To look back, to question, to remember, and to put words to experiences that shaped who I am. This book has become something I never quite expected - a deep dive into my own journey, yes, but also an exploration of what it means to live authentically even when the world keeps telling you to be something else.

I'm not quite ready to share all the details yet (soon, I promise!), but I will say this: writing this book taught me that some of the things I thought were my biggest flaws were actually my greatest strengths. And if sharing this story helps other women see their own journeys differently? Well, then every vulnerable moment will have been worth it.

The book is so much more than I ever imagined it could be. It's becoming the foundation for something bigger - but more on that in the New Year! For now, just know that 2026 is going to be full of surprises! ♥️

Pam and Nike

But perhaps most significantly for me personally - 2026 is a Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac, and for someone who has loved horses since I was seven years old, who has found some of life's greatest lessons in the saddle, who now lives minutes from one of the world's premier equestrian centers... well, it feels rather significant, doesn't it?

The horse has always represented freedom, strength, adventure, and trust to me. Those magnificent creatures have been my teachers, my therapy, my joy. Living so close to TIEC, watching world-class horses and riders, being part of this equestrian community - it feels like everything has aligned in the most beautifully restless way possible.

I'm choosing to see 2026 as my year - a year of galloping toward dreams, of trusting my instincts, of embracing that wild, restless spirit that's gotten me this far. A year of adventures that haven't even whispered their names to me yet.

Looking back at 2025, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude. For the courage to let go of the Atlantic Inn and trust that something wonderful awaited us in the mountains. For safe travels and the freedom to explore. For daily sunrises that remind me why I get out of bed in the morning (even for those gym sessions!). For the quiet moments in my sanctuary and the exhilarating ones on the open road. For new friends and treasured old ones. For my crazy, messy, beautiful family, of which I would be remiss if I didn't mention the heartbreak of losing one of our beloved dogs, Bailey. Mr Bailey was the most gentle, loyal, beautiful and wise old soul....he was most certainly a "once in a lifetime" dog and we will never forget him or his wonderful snuggles, also the passing of one of my old horses, Nike, whom I loved dearly, and will forever remember our awesome gallops, his love of jumping, and his incredible snuggle nuzzles. Nike touched my soul, and will always be my forever horse 💕

Last but by no means least, I'm grateful for this restless spirit that refuses to let me settle, that keeps whispering "there's more out there", that makes me believe in fresh starts and new chapters.

Mr Bailey loved the water

Bailey - The original swimming dog

My Nike Noozle

I've always loved the "in-between" time – those precious days nestled between Christmas and New Year. For me, it's a time for relaxing, forgetting about my worries for a little while, and simply enjoying this period of calmness between the hectic rush and fun of Christmas and the beginning of a brand new year.

It's a natural pause button on our busy lives, a chance to reflect on the past year without judgment – both the happy and the sad, our successes and our stumbles. A time to think about the moments we'll cherish and the ones we'd rather forget, the many things we have to be thankful for, and the lessons learned (and trust me, I always have a few of those! 🤪).

This is when I begin considering what I'd like to carry with me into the new year... and perhaps more importantly, what I'd rather leave behind. Then of course, there's the delightful work of thinking about what I'd like the coming year to look like – my hopes and dreams, what I'd like to accomplish, and yes, dare I say it – goals to be set, aspirations to reach for. Everyone should have a few of those!

Although, I have to confess, instead of using the word "goals", I much prefer "intentions". Life isn't a sport we're playing....no, it's way more important than that – it's our one precious life unfolding. Intentions feel more like invitations to ourselves rather than pressure-filled targets we might miss.

So, how did I do with my 2025 intentions then?

On reviewing my list from last year, my report card reads as follows: I've successfully achieved a couple, made great headway on a few more, and one still needs quite a bit of work. So all in all, not too shabby! In fact, I'm quite pleased. :o)

Now it's time to set my 2026 intentions – a couple of shiny new ones, a couple of "let's get them achieved this time", and one that definitely needs a lot of hard work, commitment, and yes, a chunk of good luck!

Here's what I know for certain: I'm a firm believer in new beginnings.

Indeed, every sunrise is an opportunity to start a fresh chapter. I don't hold with the idea that "you only get one shot at it" . We all make mistakes sometimes, take the wrong path, make poor decisions – but these missteps don't have to dictate the rest of our lives. On the contrary, we really can learn from them, grow through them, and choose differently next time.

Our lives are like great stories just waiting to be written... and we all hold the pen in our own hands. What about you.....are you ready to write a new chapter?

In the pause in between what was and what will be,

I find myself - whole, messy, and beautifully free.

New chapters are calling, adventures await,

Mountains, oceans and magic beyond every gate.

So here's to the sunrises yet to be chased,

To living each moment fully, in life's sweet embrace.

The Year of the Horse - wild, strong and free,

Sounds like 2026 may just be a perfect year for me. 

So here's to 2025 - what a ride it's been......and here's to 2026 - may it be filled with even more adventures, more laughter, more courage, and more of those magical moments that remind us why living restlessly is such a beautiful gift.

Thank you for coming along on this journey with us. Whether you've been reading since the Atlantic Inn days or you've just discovered this blog, I'm so grateful you're here. Here's to chasing sunrises, embracing change, and living every single moment with an open heart and a curious spirit.

Wishing you the very best of everything for 2026!

Writing the next chapter

Keep living restlessly and chasing sunrises...as the best adventures are always just around the next bend in the road.

With much love and hugs

Pam, John & Bodie💕

PS. I'm off to pack for a trip back home to Scotland, this time via Amsterdam...🥰 More about that next time!