December 2025 Newsletter
As December draws to a close, we take a moment to slow down, reflect, and appreciate all that this month - and year - has brought.
December Reflections – Shedding, Rising & Running Toward What's Next
As we come to the final page of 2025, I’ve been thinking back on the themes we’ve explored together through this year—growth, gratitude, boundaries, rest, courage, stepping into your voice, choosing joy on purpose, and remembering that we get to rewrite our stories at any point in time.
This year has been one of shedding and awakening. In Chinese astrology, 2025 was the Year of the Snake—a symbol of wisdom, intuition, and transformation. The Snake doesn’t move quickly; it movesintentionally. It asks us to release what no longer fits, to let the old version of ourselves fall away so we can evolve into who we’re becoming next.
And if I’m honest, I felt that. This year asked many of us to slow down, look inward, and get honest about what we’re still carrying that doesn’t belong in our next chapter—old expectations, old roles, old friends, old patterns, old pressures. The Snake taught us to move with purpose. To trust our instincts. To shed the layers that have grown too heavy.
Now… we’re stepping into something entirely different.
2026: The Year of the Horse — Wild, Brave, Untamed
If 2025 was about shedding, then 2026 is aboutstepping out of the skin you fought to grow.
The Horse in Chinese astrology is magnetic, spirited, determined, and happiest when running free; with the wind in its mane and the horizon wide open. It bristles at confinement, at routines that feel too small, at anything that keeps it fenced in.
And because 2026 is a Fire Horse year, the energy is even bolder. Old patterns can burn away in an instant. New paths can ignite before you even realize you’ve stepped onto them. This is a year of movement, possibility, and momentum.
The message of the Horse is clear: Take the reins of your life. Let your spirit run. Steer toward what lights you up—even if it scares you. Especially if it scares you. This is a year to rise, to move, to chase the horizon of your own potential.
As I look toward the year ahead, here’s what I want for you, and honestly, what I want for myself, too:
More courage than fear
More trust than doubt
More alignment than obligation
More fire than hesitation
More expansion than restraint
2026 is inviting you to open your life and run toward what feels urgent, alive, and true. You’ve shed the layers you no longer need. Now it’s time to step fully into the human you’ve been growing into all year.
Thank you for being with me this year; for reading, reflecting, growing, and showing up in this shared space. You are part of my community, my inspiration, and my purpose.
Here’s to the Year of the Horse. May it carry you exactly where your heart has been whispering for you to go.
With love and fire,
PS If you’re here for local community events or market updates, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! You’ll find that link to my local community newsletter here. 👇
https://ashleyfredrick.nexthomehubcity.com/pages/newsletter-subscribe
📚 This Month’s Book Recommendation:
Die With Zeroby Bill Perkins
This past season has felt a little heavy for me—full of reflection and a real need to re-evaluate how and where I’m spending my time and energy. In the middle of that, I picked up Die With Zero, and it was exactly the reminder I needed.
This book isn’t about being careless with money; it’s about being intentional with your life. Perkins challenges the idea of saving all your joy for “someday” and encourages you to create meaningful experiences now, while you have the time, energy, and ability to truly enjoy them.
And honestly, it shifted something in me.
Because my thoughts were already moving in this direction, we decided—kind of on a whim- to drive 10 hours (one way!) to surprise friends who needed a little extra love, even if only for one night. And that decision was worth every mile. It reminded me that moments like that are the real investments.
If you’re someone who pours into everyone else, who pushes fun or rest to “later,” or who feels stretched thin, this book will speak to you. It invites you to rethink how you invest your most precious resources: your time, energy, relationships, and memories.
It was the mindset shift I didn’t know I needed, and maybe it’s one you’re ready for, too.
A Quick Heads-Up! 🛍️✨
I love sharing things that make life easier, better, or just more fun, whether it’s in real estate, business, or everyday living. Some of the links in this newsletter are Amazon affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!).
I only recommend products I genuinely love and think you’ll find valuable. Your support helps me continue sharing great content, and I truly appreciate it! 💙
Home Tips for Winter
A few simple, practical ways to keep your home warm, cozy, and running smoothly all winter long:
🔄 Reverse your ceiling fans
Switch your fan blades to rotate clockwise on a low setting. This gently pushes warm air down and helps keep your home comfortable without cranking the heat.
🧰 Check your furnace filters
It sounds basic, but it’s one of the most forgotten winter tasks; and one of the most important. A clean filter helps your system run more efficiently, keeps your air cleaner, and can even lower your heating bill. And if you haven’t had your system serviced, I recommend every year!
🧺 Add rugs to hard floors
Rugs aren’t just decorative, they add insulation. If you have tile or hardwood, layering a rug can help reduce heat lossandmake your space feel instantly cozier. Target has lots of cute options.
💡 Light up dark corners
Winter days are short, and a single lamp can completely change the mood of a room. Add a warm-toned bulb to create a soft, inviting glow that fights off the winter gloom. I really like the salt lamp we added to our room!
🚪 Protect your entryways
Snow and salt can be tough on floors. Place towels or absorbent mats near doorways to catch the mess before it spreads. Your floors (and your future self) will thank you.
🥶 Bonus Tip: Keep doors closed in unused rooms
It helps contain heat where you actually spend time and reduces the strain on your furnace.
🎄 Holiday Hosting Cheat Sheet
Quick, helpful tips to keep entertaining simple, warm, and stress-free:
🧺 Keep a “host basket” handy
Stock it with scissors, tape, pens, gift tags, a lint roller, and extra napkins. When things get busy, you’ll have everything you need in one spot.
🥂 Choose ONE signature cocktail or mocktail
Instead of juggling multiple drinks, pick one festive option and let it shine. It keeps things easier for youandfeels elevated for guests.
🚿 Create a 10-minute guest bathroom refresh routine
Light a candle, swap out the hand towel, wipe the sink, and restock essentials. A quick reset makes a big impression.
🎁 Use the 2:1 decor rule
Two cozy elements + one statement piece = instant holiday magic.
Think: candles + greenery + one standout wreath or centerpiece.
Let this be the year you:
✨ Try the thing
✨ Say the words
✨ Take the chance
✨ Follow the instinct
✨ Release the weight
✨ Chase the horizon
✨ And choose yourself again and again
🎙️ Tune Into the LeadingLane Podcast! 🚀
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Tune in and let’s lead the way!🎧✨
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As an industry leader, mentor, and growth strategist, I’ll help you succeed with proven strategies!
💭 I'd love to hear from you!
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