Mid-year check-in

I learned about a new unofficial holiday recently – National Leon Day, celebrated every year on June 25. Since the date marks the halfway point to Christmas, a lot of people celebrate a mini version of the holiday. It’s called National Leon Day because Leon is “Noel” spelled backwards.

While I love Christmas, National Leon Day is simply not for me. I prefer to enjoy whatever season I’m in. If y’all love it and celebrate, more power to you!

What I do like is the idea of celebrating the middle of the year. It’s a great time to reflect on how I’ve done on my New Year’s resolutions, and to think about the highs and lows I’ve experienced. I especially enjoy reflecting on how much I’ve grown as a human being over the last six months.

The first half of 2026 has stretched me to my limits – in a good way. I started out the year with a program offered through my church called Magnify 90. This is a 90-day journey where women foster a deep relationship with God and others.

Participants meet in small groups at least once a week. They also commit to a daily discipline of prayer and reflection. Through this experience, they find spiritual refreshment and growth in their friendship with Jesus.

While the 90 days involve sacrifices and work, the experience was worth it to me. I made four new friends – or I should say, church family members – and we regularly stay in contact. I still do some of the practices, which has made my life so much better.

Magnify 90 helped me learn to more easily forgive others, which as many readers know, helped me tremendously last spring with my Airbnb woes. In fact, I’m grateful for the trials and struggles now. (Guess what my next book will be about.)

Another cool thing about celebrating the mid-year point is reflecting on my health goals. I’ve taken some baby steps recently with the hope of moving from good to great health. It was nice to wake up on July 1 with determination to succeed on this front. I look forward to seeing results by the end of the year.

So, readers, how are you doing so far this year? Have you reached some of the goals you set for yourself in January? If not, what can you do to finish the year better?

Grab a pen and paper, or open your laptop/notes app, and spend an hour or so thinking of your 2026 journey so far. Celebrate what you’ve accomplished, jot down some baby steps you can start on today to reach your goals, and, if it’s your thing … say a prayer to get some help.

I may not celebrate National Leon Day, but I’ll embrace “Mid-Year Check In” day with joy every summer!

Amy Shankland is an empty-nester, writer, and fundraising professional living in Noblesville with her husband John and two dogs. You can reach her via email at amys@greenavenue.info.