Take a Look in the Mirror
This Thanksgiving, I found myself more reflective, thoughtful, spiritual—and more grateful.
It was a year of discovery—both personal and professional.
I asked myself some questions:
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What are you done with?
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What are you proud of?
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Who are you becoming?
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What’s your lasting legacy?
Being grateful isn’t always reflective and passive. Sometimes, it’s fierce. It’s having the strength to say, “That season is over,” and the courage to believe, “I can do anything I set my mind to.”
What I’m Done With
I’ve led both locally and nationally through crisis, built community impact, and stood firm through political storms that happened on both sides of the aisle.
But this year was revolutionary. It tested me personally—to find my compass, my strength, and my new horizon.
There was pain.
There was confusion.
There was misalignment.
But there was also a new-found calm and clarity.
I made decisions that fit—because the new me is not the old me.
I’m done working around the clock to prove my worth, second-guessing whether I’m “enough”—and done shrinking to fit spaces that no longer align with where I want to be and where I’m meant to lead.
Reflecting Through Energy
I’m proud that my husband and I raised an exceptional young man who is a good person. He found his beautiful wife and is in the process of creating a beautiful life—professionally and personally. It’s fun to watch and even more fun to be a part of.
I’m proud of how well my husband’s company, SafeinHome, is doing. Their team enables people with developmental disabilities to live independently—on their own terms. They’ve worked hard and are making a difference in many lives through technology and remote support.
I’m proud that I took a year to try new things—personally and professionally. It was a time to relaunch—to remember who I am—and what truly makes me tick.
A late-winter trip to Hawaii in February, my son’s wedding in March, a milestone birthday in April, seeing the New York Yankees in a minor league park on Mother’s Day, enjoying more than 25 acts at country & rock shows, and consequential trips to Washington, D.C., Kentucky, Arizona, and Texas in September and October.
These moments helped me stay grounded, grow, and reflect. And you know what? Life is good!
Spirituality, Truth, Self
And an unexpected thing happened—I became more spiritual and more in tune with my faith as an Italian-American Catholic. I’m a regular on Hallow now, sponsoring a friend making the journey into the Catholic Church, and enjoying a more intentional walk with Jesus.
Gratitude is about being thankful for the good things, but it’s also about being true to yourself.
Being willing to pause, reclaim, and relaunch—not because you have to, but because you’re ready, and it’s time to think differently—about life, legacy, and what’s yet to come.
I’ve rediscovered my voice, my values, and my vision—on my own—without asking for permission. I’ve stepped into my energy, rather than letting it drain me.
Your Mirror Moment
If you’re stuck or just going through the motions, look in the mirror.
Find your power.
Find your clarity.
Find your purpose.
Find yourself.
You won’t regret it and you will be grateful that you took the time to see it.
Judy Lloyd is the President of Altamont Communications Strategies and a 20+ year leader in politics & public policy in California and Washington, D.C.