Chief Pretty Officer | (CPO) Record | 15. ​ ​Reflections. ​ Lets Close You Out. ​ ​The TL;DR | Reflection, Not Resolution.​ This issue is an invitation to pause. To look at what this year asked of you and how you showed up. What quietly changed along the way? There’s nothing to fix here, only space to acknowledge what you’ve learned, what you’ve built, and what you’re ready to protect as the year closes. ​ ​

Editor’s Note | Reflections.

With winter settling in and the first snowfall behind us, I hope you’ve found moments to slow down. Stay warm, get cozy, and maybe even reach for a mask. There’s something about snow paired with holiday lights that naturally invites pause. Reflection feels unavoidable this time of year.

As we approach the end of the year, many of us are closing loops everywhere at once. Wrapping up client work, projects, revenue goals, personal commitments and the emotional weight that comes with finishing strong. Layer holiday shopping, travel and expectations on top of that and it’s no wonder December can feel both full and heavy.

Before we move forward, I want to pause and say thank you. This year-end issue is a moment of gratitude for your time, your curiosity, and for following along through the different series we've explored together this year. This newsletter has always been about offering perspective, not prescriptions. New angles. New language.

One thing adulthood has taught me quietly over time is the relief that comes with caring less about the opinions of others. I used to hear women say this and didn’t fully understand it.
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Now I do.

Adulthood is demanding. There are days when simply getting through the day, the week, the month is the work. Growth requires focus and focus doesn’t leave much room for outside noise. The opinions, expectations and projections of others eventually fade into the background like a buzzing you no longer feel obligated to swat away.

This isn’t indifference born from bitterness.
It’s clarity.

It’s knowing what matters, what doesn’t, and what no longer deserves your energy.

As this year comes to a close, I find myself less interested in proving anything and more committed to protecting what I’ve built: my time, rituals and confidence.

That’s the space I want to hold with you this month.
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Not rushing into what’s next but honoring what this year asked of us, and what it taught us along the way.

Accomplishments | What I’ve Learned.

What insights have you gained about yourself from reading this newsletter? Has it shifted how you think about “showing up”not as performance but as presence?
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A notable achievement is the consistent open rate exceeding
70%. By establishing a bi-weekly content schedule, I've created a routine that people anticipate, eliminating the need for more demand. It's gratifying to see a dedicated audience form.

What other channels will the CPO utilize? I strongly believe in documenting plans and making a firm commitment to ensure accountability.

Expect a presence on social media and public speaking engagements. Furthermore, you will find more content from me focusing on cosmetics. I am committed to exclusively using vegan products. If we're going to explore complexion and color, it must be done correctly and safely.
I cannot compromise with inadequate or unsafe ingredients.

When I write, my intention is to show up for you in a way that reminds you that you’re not alone. Stretching into adulthood can sometimes feel like you’re becoming invisible, like your voice doesn’t carry the same weight it once did. That feeling is more common than we admit.

Hormones shift. Priorities change. Life gets louder. It’s normal for your inner light to dim on certain days.

But something else starts to happen to. You begin asking deeper questions:

​Am I giving what matters my full attention?
Am I reaching toward my potential or just maintaining?

If you’ve found yourself asking these questions, that isn’t a failure. Its awareness and awareness is often the first sign that growth is already underway.

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Thinking Beyond Products | ​ When Life Becomes an Extension of Habits ​ As we age and our bodies and faces change, it becomes clear that products alone aren’t the answer. In your 20s and 30s, good optics and natural resilience can make it feel like they are. But as we move into our 40s and beyond, lifestyle and habits begin to matter just as much if not more. The sooner we recognize a change in ourselves mentally and physically, the easier the transition becomes. Your 40s offer a rare opportunity for radical honesty about habits, energy and what’s sustainable versus what isn’t. If that introspection doesn’t happen now, it often becomes harder later when comfort and routine take precedence over change. Topics like masking, sleep, and time may not always feel exciting but they are foundational. They’re the quiet layers that actually hold everything else together. As you reflect, consider which habits are supporting you and which ones are asking to be reworked so you can create a life that feels not just fuller, but lighter. There is always room for more ease than there was yesterday. ​ ​Reflection Prompts | Closing the Year Gently What did this year ask me to learn about myself and how did I respond? ​ Where did I show up more honestly than I have before? ​ Which habits supported me, even in small ways? You don’t need to answer everything at once. One honest thought is enough to begin. Closing Note | What Comes Next This reflection is only the beginning. Before we rush into a new year, there’s still space to sit with what’s settled and to notice what’s quietly asking for attention. Those who have followed my work know that I have always championed clinics, trials and science-backed solutions. It's rewarding to see the wider world finally catching up and paying attention to these areas. Moving forward, we will be doubling down on our focus on fermented products. I will also share insights on devices.Stalling this action will only slow your momentum; start this ritual now while your mindset is focused on habit formation. While these devices are effective, they require an investment of both time and money. It's important to understand that products and devices are not a silver bullet. You must commit to the fundamentals. We will elaborate on the necessity of radical honesty and firm boundaries, as this is the only path to self-awareness and understanding your motivations for personal growth in adulthood. If this pause resonated, I hope you’ll stay with me. Not for more answers but for better questions. For language that helps you name where you are and permission to move forward on your own terms. Until then, take care of yourself gently. You’ve earned this moment. See you on the other side of 2026! Keep Leading, ​ ​ ​Did you receive this newsletter from a Chief Pretty Officer? ​​​Join Here.​​ ​​