9 Lessons We've Learned in 2025

As we near the end of the year, I’m taking time to reflect on all that 2025 has held for me, ALTAR, and the women who make up this amazing community. It’s been a year of deep connection, creativity, and quiet, intentional growth.

I’m often in awe of how much can shift within us when we surround ourselves with people and in spaces that encourage us to show up exactly as we are. Before looking ahead to 2026, I’ve asked our community to share what stood out most for them this year—the lessons, memories, and “aha!” moments that shaped their journeys. Here’s a bit of what we’re carrying with us on the path forward:

1. Clarity Among the Stillness

Kathy believes that our deepest wisdom emerges in moments of collective quiet:

“For me, one of the most unexpected lessons I’ve taken from ALTAR this year is how much clarity arrives when we really slow down, together. In a world of constant noise, shared stillness feels radical. When we pause, breathe, and deeply listen to ourselves, women remember their brilliance. The biggest lesson I’m taking away is that sometimes the most productive thing we can do is create space for what we already know.” – Kathy Bresler, ALTAR Founder

2. The Power of Witnessing True Sisterhood

Asta treasures the authentic connections and support system that defines genuine sisterhood:

“When I reflect on my time with ALTAR in 2025, what stands out most are the connections I’ve built with the women in this community. The honest stories shared, the powerful moments of witnessing each other, and the ways we’ve shown up in genuine support create something rare: true sisterhood. Beyond events and workshops, the lessons I take away are from the conversations, the heartfelt brainstorming sessions, and the feeling of being surrounded by women who empower one another.” – Asta Malciute, Core Practitioner

3. The Energy in Holding Space for Each Other 

Katie discovered the transformative power of women working alongside each other in shared purpose:

“For me, Get Sh*t Done Club is one of my favorite days and experiences at ALTAR hands down—the energy felt so good! Can this be every day?! Having other women body doubling alongside you is amazing. It gave me the feeling of sisterhood embodied: empowered women empowering one another just by being ourselves in each other’s energy. Why did it take me this long to get my a** over there for this!?” – Katie Janecko, ALTAR Member & Space Holder

4. Giving Ourselves Grace is Essential

Jamie appreciates how ALTAR connects her with inspiring women creators even from a distance:

“The lesson ALTAR has taught me this year is that giving myself plenty of rest and an abundance of grace is essential to wholly living. My perspective of ALTAR is a little different because I’m based remotely, so it’s through my work that I learn so much from this community. 

I adore the exposure ALTAR gives me to someone whose work I didn’t know before. That (admittedly) happens pretty often, but the two who stand out this year are Stephanie Chinn and Elise Loehnen.

Stephanie, an amazing author and illustrator, helped us celebrate ALTAR’s 5th birthday with her latest book, The Art of Taking Up Space. It’s such a unique blend of journaling and coloring and is such a soothing way to relax. I love it! 

Elise—who is such a big name that I can’t believe I didn’t know her previously—gives such a helpful perspective on modern womanhood in her interviews, podcast, and writing. Her books (and Stephanie’s coloring book!) have been such a comforting accompaniment on my personal healing journey, and I’m so grateful that ALTAR made me aware of these works and incredible women. Working with ALTAR helps me shift my perspective, deconstruct patriarchal ideals, and redefine what “showing up” means for me and my community.” – Jamie Manville-Estes, ALTAR’s Communications Manager

5. Community Makes Life More Meaningful

Jay found that ALTAR transformed her experience of Chicago through meaningful friendships:

“Thinking about only one special memory or lesson learned from ALTAR this year is very difficult, because there were so many beautiful moments! However, if I had to choose just one, it would be the incredible women I’ve met who have made my life in Chicago warmer, happier, and more meaningful. Women I now have the joy of calling friends! Being at ALTAR has helped me create community and makes me feel part of something truly beautiful and deep.” - Jay Kintsugi, ALTAR Member

6. Sistering Uplifts us All 

Elise celebrates how ALTAR has evolved from a small circle into a diverse intergenerational community:

“I’m delighted to be a founding member of ALTAR, and nothing gives me more joy than seeing how beautifully it has grown. What began as a small circle of women with a big dream has blossomed into a rich, multigenerational community: a gathering place for entrepreneurs, writers, artists, business leaders, moms, sisters, and daughters.

One of the key lessons I’ve taken away is the beauty of uplifting sistering. Throughout the years, we’ve learned to lift one another up as we endeavor to be whole, thriving, and successful, whatever our professional or personal paths may be. I love the array of offerings at ALTAR (one of my personal favorites being SoulCollage®), which are all designed to foster a healthy, inclusive, and stimulating space where we can grow as human beings. Or, to put it simply: It’s fun, and I love being part of ALTAR!” – Elise Magers, ALTAR Founding Member & SoulCollage Facilitator

7. Choose Wholeness vs. Goodness

Maureen found revolutionary wisdom in discussions challenging conventional ideas about womanhood:

“My absolute favorite moment of 2025 was the Brunch and Talk with Elise Loehnen. At this time in history, having these really profound discussions on what it means to be whole versus good is amazing. Just that idea in itself felt revolutionary! Elise is such a profound thinker and initiator of progress among women in our society. It felt so special to have her at ALTAR and to be among the women who came together to celebrate thinking like hers.” - Maureen White, ALTAR Member

8. Connection Keeps us Accountable 

Maria finds fulfillment in leading a creative community that supports artistic growth and accountability:

“One of my favorite experiences this year has been organizing and nurturing the Artist’s Way Member Meet-up this fall. I’ve been connecting more deeply with a wonderful group of women from week to week around sharing our dreams with one another, expressing our creativity in new ways, and holding ourselves accountable to sticking to the 12-week journey together. Each week, we continue to lift one another up, which is beautiful to experience!” – Maria Tkacz, ALTAR Member

9. New Perspectives Expand our Hearts and Minds

Randi sees ALTAR as a tapestry of experiences that elevates both individual and collective consciousness:

“When I think of all of the goodness at ALTAR—whether it’s Bring Your Soul to Work Day, the Goddess Banners, Elizabeth Lesser’s presentation on Cassandra Speaks, sound healing, SoulCollage, and more—the  unifying thread is the connection built with so many open-hearted, compassionate, and wise women who help uplift the collective consciousness as well as my own spirit. Reflecting, making meaning, and expanding my mind and heart are the gifts of ALTAR. It’s a beautiful, metaphorical quilt of life experiences being made in real time.” - Randi Fiat, ALTAR Member

Looking Ahead: The Seeds We're Planting for 2026

As we gather these reflections from 2025, I see a common thread in each woman's experience: the power of authentic connection and the transformative energy that emerges when we hold space for one another… 

I often describe ALTAR as a kind of spiritual truing station: the way in which a truing stand for a bicycle helps align your wheels, ALTAR supports our alignment in our individual paths forward—whether that’s through uncovering deeply held truths, shedding self-limiting beliefs, or tuning into our divine feminine insight.

Through shared stories, experiences, and perspectives, the incredible women in this community continue to uplift one another and encourage profound personal and professional growth. In looking ahead to 2026, I’m eager to see even more of the goodness that arises in this ever-evolving community in this shared, sacred space.