The start of a new year often brings a quiet pause – a moment where we naturally reflect on where we’ve been and gently consider where we’re heading next.
For many people, this time around Christmas and New Year isn’t about big resolutions or dramatic change. It’s more subtle than that – it’s about resetting, simplifying, and carrying only what feels meaningful into the year ahead.
In my work as a funeral director, I see this instinct often – people don’t usually come to planning ahead from a place of fear. More often, they come from a desire for calm, a wish to feel organised, grounded, and reassured that the people they love will be okay.
Carrying Old Wounds into a New Year
A new year isn’t a clean slate for everyone. Loss, grief, and unresolved experiences don’t disappear at midnight on December 31. They come with us into the next chapter, and that’s completely okay.
I’ve learned that planning ahead isn’t about closing doors on the past. It’s about creating safety around it. It allows space for reflection, healing, and forward movement without pressure or urgency.
When people take the time to put their affairs in order, it’s rarely about death itself. It’s about easing the load. It’s about knowing that if something unexpected happens, the hard decisions won’t fall to family members in a moment of stress.
That sense of preparedness can be deeply reassuring.
The Year of the Horse and the Idea of Forward Motion
While the Lunar New Year doesn’t begin until February, many people are already talking about the upcoming Year of the Horse and what it symbolises.
Traditionally, the Horse represents movement, strength, independence, and steady progress. Not rushing, not forcing, just moving forward with purpose and confidence.
I like that symbolism as it aligns beautifully with how I see planning ahead. It’s not about racing to tick boxes – it’s about putting one foot in front of the other, at your own pace, knowing you’re heading in the right direction.
Planning ahead can be part of that quiet momentum. A practical step that brings peace of mind and allows you to focus more fully on living.
Planning Ahead Without Pressure
There’s a misconception that funeral planning has to be heavy or confronting. In reality, many of the conversations I have are calm, thoughtful, and even uplifting.
People talk about music they love, places that matter to them, the tone they’d like their farewell to have. Often, there’s laughter mixed in with reflection.
When plans are made ahead of time, families are spared the emotional and financial pressure of making decisions during grief. Everything is clearer, wishes are known, space is created for remembering rather than organising.
That clarity is one of the greatest gifts you can give.
My Own Intentions for the Year Ahead
As I move into this new year, my focus is simple.
I’ll continue showing up for families and helping them tell the stories of the people they love. Writing ceremonies and listening deeply remains one of the most meaningful parts of my work.
I’ll keep going to jiu jitsu as much as I can, and continuing the promise I made to my dear friend who passed away. The journey matters more than the destination.
And I’ll keep prioritising time with my family and friends. We haven’t taken overseas holidays, but we’ve spent weekends away around NSW, slowing down, reconnecting, and being present. Those moments have been a powerful reminder that life happens in the small, quiet spaces.
This work doesn’t feel like work to me, it feels like purpose. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.
A Gentle Invitation
If the new year has you thinking about getting organised, simplifying, or planning ahead from a place of calm rather than worry, I’m always happy to talk.
There’s no pressure and no expectation. Sometimes a simple conversation is all that’s needed to feel a little more settled about the road ahead.
Wherever this year takes you, I hope it brings steadiness, connection, and a sense of peace.
