🌟 Episode Length: 9 minutes, 28 seconds

Before you jump into planning for a new year, this episode invites you to pause.

If 2025 felt heavier, messier, or different than you expected, you’re not behind — and you’re not alone. In this short but powerful guided reflection, Cassandra walks you through how to look back on the year without judgment, notice what actually happened in your business, and create clarity before moving forward.

This episode is not about hustling harder or fixing everything. It’s about awareness, honesty, and giving yourself permission to reflect before you plan.

✨ Why rushing into planning without reflection often leads to burnout🧠 How to look back on 2025 without labeling it as “good” or “bad”🎯 Real examples from Pretty Pineapple Bead — including inconsistent sales, mindset shifts, and letting go of misaligned ideas💬 Reflection questions to help you notice patterns, growth, and energy changes🌱 Why progress doesn’t always show up as revenue or milestones📓 A simple journaling challenge to help you prepare for intentional planning in 2026

“If things aren’t working, that’s not proof you’re bad at business — it’s proof that you’re learning.”

🎯 This week’s reflection challenge:Set aside 15 quiet minutes over the next few days.Grab your journal, open your notes app, or record a voice memo, and journal through the reflection questions shared in this episode. No pressure. No perfect answers. Just notice what comes up.

✨ Coming next:In the next episode, we’ll take what you uncovered during this reflection and turn it into a grounded, intentional plan for 2026. That episode drops Friday, December 26.

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a biz bestie, leave a quick review, or repost it on social. Every share helps Sparkle & Shine grow 💛