The 2025 Wheel of Life
If you were at the GfM Holiday Party, you heard me talk about the Wheel of Life. It is the very first task of our New Year Gentle Reset Challenge, and it’s one of the most powerful tools I know.
I actually filled mine out the night before the party. I was in the kitchen cooking with my Italian friends who were visiting. It was their last night here, and we started sharing our challenges from 2025.
It was such a revealing moment. I felt so confident putting my year on paper, but I watched my friends struggle. They were afraid of their own judgment. They were hesitant to look at the balance of their lives and try to find solutions for the upcoming year.
That hesitation is exactly why I encourage you to do this exercise. (Ideally in peace, without kids climbing on you!). We have to be brave enough to see where we stand so we can decide where we want to go.
So, in the spirit of leading by example, here is a look inside my 2025 Wheel of Life: the highs, the lows, and the boundaries I’m setting for 2026.
The Highs: 2025 Was a Year of Growth
When I looked at my wheel, I realized 2025 was a massive year for my personal growth.
Family & The "Baby Phase"
Luna is almost out of the baby phase. It is very sad (I am done with breastfeeding and those intense infant duties) but she is finally "one of us." She is part of the family ecosystem now, not just a baby we need to keep alive. (She is also very stubborn, but we are working on it!).
My Fitness & Education
I pushed my body and mind harder than ever this year:
Running: I ran my fastest Half Marathon ever (1:41!).
Strength: I hit a 200lb Back Squat and a 250lb Deadlift PR.
CrossFit: I did my first Open with 2 RX workouts, got my first toes-to-bar, and 7 strict pull-ups.
Career: I earned my NASM Personal Training certification (which meant waking up at 4:00 AM for three months to study).
Self-Care Win
I also learned to treat my body better. With such a physically demanding job, I finally allowed myself to be pampered: I committed to one massage a week. My body and mind absolutely needed it to keep up with the pace.
My Soul
Honestly? The biggest achievement wasn’t a PR. It was going to the beach in Italy by myself for a couple of hours to read Harry Potter 5 and having a lot of fun with my old friends. That was pure joy.
The Business: Finding My Dimension
Professionally, THANKS TO EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU, this was the year.
I finally feel solid in this new career. I did not have a single day this fall where I missed my nursing career. In these last four months, I really found my new dimension with GfM. I love every single hour I spend with you.
A Big Decision for 2026
As many of you know, I had a goal to hire instructors this Fall to help me. But after looking at my year, I decided to wait. Why? Because I love being there for you. The connection we have is special, and I’m not ready to step back from teaching just yet.
But... The Reality Check
However, balancing my energy with the demands of the business is my biggest struggle. Right now, I have zero time for admin. (Confession: I haven’t uploaded a single waiver since August. If I missed your birthday... Happy Birthday!!).
I have decided to keep showing up for YOU alone, but I have to protect myself from burnout.
My New Boundaries for 2026:
To give you my 200% every day (since September 2025 we have 4 more classes a week in the schedule at the same membership prices), I am making these changes:
Scheduled Rest: I will take 2 weeks off every 4 months to recharge.
Admin Time: I will cancel 2-3 classes a month so I can actually run the business side of GfM.
The Lows: What I’m Working On
The Wheel of Life isn’t just about celebrating; it’s about spotting the cracks. Like all of you, I am still a work in progress.
Health & Habits (The Truth)
I have a secret superpower: even though I wake up incredibly early, I almost always get 8 hours of sleep. It is non-negotiable. I learned the hard way this Fall. When I was waking up at 4 AM to study for my certification and cutting sleep, I couldn't function. My immune system crashed, and we had the worst Fall ever: Flu A and two stomach bugs back-to-back that almost took our family down. Lesson learned: Sleep is medicine.
However, I still struggle with “stress” eating after dinner, mostly just to keep myself awake until 8 PM! And, on a smaller note, I need to floss my teeth more.
Physical Recovery
My diastasis is not fully closed, and my "funny knee" needs a lot of attention. For the first time in years, with a full-time job and 3 kids, I am really struggling to fight for that one hour of workout and that can not be negotiable.
Romance (And Big News!)
I have to be honest: this slice of the pie has been low for two years in a row. It is hard to slow down my brain, and my relationship has taken a backseat to the business and the kids.
My 2026 Focus: I am prioritizing Ale (let’s do not tell him ;).
First, I am committing to ski dates this winter (so, I apologize in advance, but I will have to find the strength to cancel some of your 1:1s on Fridays to make this happen!).
But the big news?
After 15 years together, and 10 years since we signed the "marriage" papers in New York... I am going to marry my husband!
Next summer, we are planning a super fun weekend party with all our close friends from all over the world. And for the honeymoon? We are doing 2 weeks with friends and (fun) family included! It’s going to be a huge celebration of love and community.
I Don't Do It Alone
I want you to know that I am working on all of these things (the flossing, the stress eating, the core rehab) with my coach.
Yes, I have a coach! Actually, I have many coaches in my life (Crossfit, Life, Massage and more). We cannot do it all on our own. Asking for support and help is part of the process.
What’s Next?
My Winter Break starts tomorrow Saturday, December 20th, and I will see you back on Zoom on Monday, January 5th.
Your Homework During Break:
Complete the 4 workouts + stretching session from Week 5 of TOP.
Do your Personal Evaluation (measurements + 3 workouts).
Join the New Year Gentle Reset Challenge (check your email!) to work on your 2026.
Don't forget to book your coaching call.
Please, take the time to do your Wheel of Life. Don't fear the judgment. Just look at the paper, see where you need nourishing, and let’s get ready to attack 2026 together.
Happy Holidays!
Gio
