A Walk Through Fall: Reflecting on Goals, Growth, and Gratitude

Sandy Ische
2 days ago
4 min read

"Home is where the dog runs to greet you." - unknown

Welcome, Fall: Reflect, Celebrate, and Reset

Another summer has come and gone. As fall begins to settle in, I find myself reflecting on the year so far — the lessons learned, the growth experienced, and the goals both set and achieved. I celebrate the milestones and the finish lines, the little wins and the big ones.

As we enter a new season, I’m reminded of the wisdom in Proverbs 16:3 - “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

I encourage you to take a moment to revisit the goals you set for yourself in 2025. How did your journey begin? And how do you plan to finish it?

For me, the year started strong — because I began planning early. Around this time last year, I listed out my dreams for 2025. Then, I picked the ones that mattered most and added dates to them. These weren’t just hopes; they became priorities. I created momentum by tracking progress and celebrating milestones, which helped me stay consistent well into the new year.

"Dogs leave paw prints on our hearts." - unknown

A Personal Win: 20K Steps and a Big Family Adventure

One of the goals that was important to me was to walk 20K in a single day. My daily average is 10K, and I’ve hit 15K before. My FitBit tracker showed that I'd done 20K twice in the past, so I knew that it was a goal I could achieve again.

But I didn’t want it to be just a fitness goal — I wanted it to be meaningful. I decided to hit the 20K mark on a hiking trip during our family vacation. It became both a physical and a social challenge. My husband, our two kids, and our four dogs joined me on one of the most strenuous hikes I’ve ever done.

The result? I crushed that goal — logging nearly 27K steps and earning my first Classics badge. I felt accomplished, strong, and incredibly proud.

Why it’s important to me? I value my health. I value spending time together as a family. I value that my husband and children enjoy hiking and nature as much as I do, as well as spending it with our furry friends. Fresh air, sunshine, and family fun with our furry friends, all while getting in a fantastic workout, made it a perfect day worth celebrating!

Your Turn: Reflect and Reset

Now, it’s your turn.

Take a few moments to revisit the goals you set earlier this year and check in with yourself:

What have you accomplished so far, and what milestones can you celebrate?
Which goals are still in progress — and why do they matter to you?
How has your journey shaped you — in your faith, your health, your relationships, and your personal growth?
Were there moments where you felt stuck or had to pivot? If so, what did those moments teach you?

If there are goals that no longer fit who you are or where you’re headed, give yourself permission to adjust or release them. Growth isn’t about perfection — it’s about learning, adapting, and continuing forward with clarity and purpose.

Keep Moving Forward

The year isn’t over yet. Whether you’re coasting toward the finish line or ready to refocus and push through the last stretch — you’ve got time.

So, grab a journal, go for a walk, or talk it out with someone you trust. Reconnect with your “why,” and give yourself credit for how far you’ve already come.

Fall is the perfect time to reset.

"The best way to predict your future is to create it." - Peter Drucker

Closing Thoughts: A Season of Renewal

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, fall reminds us that transitions are beautiful — and necessary. It’s a season that encourages us to pause, reflect, and realign with what truly matters. Whether you’ve checked off every goal on your list or you are still making steady progress, take pride in how far you’ve come. Growth isn’t always measured by completed tasks — sometimes it’s found in the lessons learned, the resilience gained, and the moments of gratitude along the way.

So as you sip your warm drink and watch the colors of the season unfold, give yourself permission to reset. Revisit your goals with fresh eyes and renewed energy. The year isn’t over yet — there’s still time to finish strong, to celebrate every win (big or small), and to step into the final months of 2025 with intention and purpose.

Here’s to reflection, celebration, and new beginnings — because every season offers another chance to grow.

As we look toward what’s next, may we hold onto the promise in Job 8:7 - “Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be.”

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