Meagan Johnson - Generational Speaker

Solve Your Challenges and Bridge the Gap between Generations at Your Multigenerational Workforce

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Lunar New Year: A Second Chance to Set Your Intentions for 2025

Can you believe it’s nearly February?! By now, the new year’s excitement might be starting to fade, and for many, those New Year’s resolutions are already a distant memory – especially with “Quitters Day” well behind us. But here’s the good news: the end of January doesn’t mean the end of fresh starts.

The Lunar New Year offers a perfect opportunity to reset, reflect, and, most importantly, reframe your goals and intentions for 2025!

If your resolutions are already a thing of the past or you’re just ready to approach 2025 with a little more intention and a little less pressure, the Lunar New Year is the perfect opportunity. After all, the energy of renewal and possibility doesn’t belong to just one day of the year — it’s something we can embrace at any time, especially during this festive and symbolic season.

Lunar New Year

What the Lunar New Year Teaches Us About Intentions

In Meagan’s last blog, we talked about ditching rigid resolutions and embracing flexible, empowering intentions instead. Well, the Lunar New Year offers a fantastic framework for doing just that. While January 1 is all about “new year, new me” pressure, the Lunar New Year emphasizes balance, renewal, and community. It’s not about perfection; it’s about creating space for growth and inviting good fortune into your life.

The Lunar New Year celebrated across many cultures in Asia and beyond, is filled with traditions intended to clear away the past and welcome the future. Cleaning your house symbolizes sweeping away bad luck. Sharing meals with loved ones reinforces the connection. Red envelopes filled with money represent prosperity. Each custom has one big thing in common: a focus on intentional actions that bring joy, clarity, and connection.

Sound familiar? Just like the intentions we explored in January, Lunar New Year traditions remind us that the best way to set the tone for your year isn’t through strict rules or impossible goals — it’s by staying present, being flexible, and taking small, meaningful steps forward.

Intentions Inspired by Lunar New Year Traditions

  1. Focus on Renewal: Clear out physical, mental, or emotional clutter to make space for new opportunities.
  2. Prioritize Meaningful Connection: Spend time with family, friends, or coworkers to strengthen bonds and create meaningful moments.
  3. Embrace Prosperity: This doesn’t have to be about money! Think about abundance in all forms — time, energy, or even creativity.
  4. Celebrate Small Wins: The Lunar New Year is celebrated over 15 days, with plenty of time to reflect, reset, and celebrate. Use this as a reminder to mark your milestones throughout the year, no matter how small.
  5. Honor Traditions While Creating New Ones: The Lunar New Year beautifully blends age-old customs with modern celebrations. Whether it’s starting a weekly ritual with loved ones, journaling your reflections, or even hosting an annual gathering, find ways to create intentional moments that bring joy and meaning to your year.

Intentional tip: Reflect on what no longer serves you — old habits, self-doubt, or even overcommitting. Ask yourself: “What’s one thing I can let go of to make room for something better?”

2025: A Year of Intentions and Celebrations

If January didn’t go as planned, or if you’re ready to reset your energy, the Lunar New Year is the perfect time to revisit your intentions and start fresh. Use this as a reminder that growth doesn’t happen in a straight line, and every day is a chance to realign with what matters most to you.

So, what’s your intention for this Lunar New Year? Whether it’s prosperity, balance, or just finding more time for rest (a very worthy goal), keep it simple, meaningful, and true to you. Remember, it’s not about how you start but how you continue to show up for yourself and your dreams throughout the year. Embrace this season as an opportunity to celebrate progress, no matter how small, and to move forward with renewed clarity and purpose. 

Cheers to a fresh start, a connected community, and a Happy Lunar New Year!

Set Intentions, Not Resolutions for 2025

Happy 2025! The confetti has settled, the holiday snacks are (mostly) gone, and the gym is mysteriously crowded. But let’s talk about something real – January 10th just passed, also known as Quitters Day — the day most people officially give up on their New Year’s resolutions.

Here’s the good news: Quitters Day is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reframe! If resolutions feel like a ball and chain dragging you into another year of stress, let’s toss them out, reframe things, and set intentions for 2025. 

What’s the difference, you ask? Resolutions are like that drill sergeant gym teacher from middle school — all rules, no room for fun. Intentions, however, are more like your favorite aunt: encouraging, flexible, and always bringing good snacks.

And guess what? When you toss out the resolution rulebook and focus on intentions, you create room for creativity, growth, and connection — not just for yourself but for all the generations in your life and workplace.

Set Intentions

Why Intentions Are the Cool New Thing

Think of intentions as the GPS of your life. They guide you without yelling “Recalculating!” every time you hit a detour. Plus, they leave wiggle room for the unexpected (like that donut you didn’t plan to eat last Tuesday).

Resolutions focus on what’s wrong with you. “Lose weight.” “Quit procrastinating.” Boring! Intentions celebrate what’s awesome about you and give you space to grow: “Honor my body,” “Embrace productivity.” See the difference?

How to Set a 2025 Intention (No Complicated Forms Required)

  1. Reflect, but Make It Fun: Grab a favorite drink and think about when you felt happiest last year. Was it hiking? A random road trip? Dancing to ‘80s music at the company holiday party? Whatever it is, lean into it.
  2. Pick a Power Word: This is your “North Star” for the year. Choose words like “growth,” “connection,” or “cha-ching” (hey, no judgment if money is your focus).
  3. Share your Vision: Talk about your intentions with friends, family, or colleagues. Not only will they cheer you on, but you might inspire them to set their own.
  4. Create Powerful Statements: Turn your intentions into affirmations or mantras that help keep you on track. For example, instead of “I want to reduce stress,” try, “I am choosing calm and balance in my life.” These statements help reinforce your intention and keep you motivated, even on tough days.
  5. Make It Visual: Bring your intention to life by creating a vision board, setting a themed wallpaper on your phone, or writing it on sticky notes around your workspace. A daily visual reminder helps you stay connected to your goals and adds a little creative flair to your life.

Pro tip: Every day is a chance to set an intention. January 1 is cool, but so is March 23, July 8, or any random Tuesday.

Generational Intention-Setting (It’s Like a Party, and Everyone’s Invited!)

And when we talk about intentions through a multigenerational lens, things get even more exciting. Baby Boomers can bring their wisdom, Gen Xers their independence, Millennials their collaborative spirit, and Gen Zers their passion for change.

  • Baby Boomers: Your intention could be “Learn something new and share my experience.” Whether it’s salsa dancing or figuring out TikTok (yes, Boomers are on TikTok!), your curiosity inspires everyone.
  • Gen X: You’re juggling a lot, so try to “Create a balance between my needs and others” That means saying “yes” to self-care and “no” to that 57th PTA meeting.
  • Millennials: Your team player energy is unmatched. How about “Collaborate in ways that spark joy”? You’ve mastered Slack; now teach us all to survive without 25 emails a day.
  • Gen Z: You’re the future! Set an intention like “Stand for what matters to me.” From climate change to better workplace vibes, you’ve got the passion to shake things up.

2025: A Year of Connection and Intentions 

What we really want to say is: 2025 doesn’t need to be a high-pressure race to perfection. Make it a journey of small wins, hilarious fails, and meaningful connections. Each generation around you has something to offer — from the Baby Boomer who still calls Instagram “The Gram” to the Gen Zer teaching you how to use it without looking cringe.

So what’s your intention for 2025? Let’s keep it simple, fun, and something you can enjoy living out. After all, life’s too short to take everything seriously.

Cheers to an incredible, laughter-filled year ahead — and don’t forget, donuts & mimosas are optional but encouraged!

Reflection Ideas to Close Out 2024 Strong

Reflection isn’t just about revisiting the good and bad things that happened to you. It’s about recognizing growth, learning from the setbacks, and setting intentions for the year ahead.

The best part? Reflection is for everyone.

As 2024 is coming to an end, it’s an opportune time to pause and reflect on the year that it’s been!

Yet, as Meagan’s last blog discusses—the holidays can be a lot. For many, this time of year stirs up a whirlwind of emotions: joy, nostalgia, stress, and sometimes sadness. Between the relentless holiday ads, packed schedules, and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to feel like you’re rushing from one thing to the next. We often forget to slow down and appreciate the moments that matter—whether it’s a quiet coffee break or the laughter during a chaotic family get-together. Slowing down isn’t just a luxury; it’s an essential. Taking even a few minutes each day to breathe, reflect, or simply be present can help us find calmness amid the holiday hustle. 

Why Reflect?

Reflection gives us the chance to:

“Reflection is executive functioning. True courageous reflection galvanizes your willpower. It promotes continuous self-awareness, empowers you, ensures you are valued, and gives you the self-awareness you need to quicken achieving your potential.” – Harvard Business Review

Personalized Prompts by Generation

Baby Boomers (1946–1964)
Boomers are natural storytellers and lifelong learners, making reflection an opportunity to celebrate accomplishments while looking ahead.

“What’s one lesson I learned in 2024 that would be helpful to pass on to someone else?”

“What’s a moment I’ll cherish forever from this year, and why?”

“How can I embrace new opportunities for growth in 2025?”

Generation X (1965–1980)
Gen Xers are all about practicality and balance, often juggling family, work, and self-care. These prompts encourage prioritizing what truly matters.

“What’s one thing that made my life easier this year, and how can I build on that next year?”

“How did I show up for myself or others in ways I’m proud of?”

“What’s one boundary I set in 2024 that I want to maintain—or adjust—in 2025?”

Millennials (1981–1996)
Millennials thrive on connection and feedback, making reflection a chance to celebrate collaboration and personal growth.

“What feedback or advice helped me grow this year?”

“What connections or relationships enriched my life most in 2024?”

“How can I balance ambition and self-care in the year ahead?”

Generation Z (1997–2012)
Gen Zers, the digital natives with a cause, reflect with an eye toward impact and authenticity.

“What’s one way I made the world—or my corner of it—a better place this year?”

“What habits helped me thrive, and how can I keep improving?”

“What’s something I accomplished this year that I didn’t think I could?”

End-of-Year Reflection Prompts for All Generations

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Gen-Enthusiast Meagan Johnson! 

Cheers to another year together! Thank you for joining Meagan Johnson’s journey and following along. We appreciate every one of you! Please take a moment to reflect on your year, share a story or two with someone from another generation, and stay curious.

Let’s zap the gap together and make space for what matters: connection, collaboration, and kindness!

Self-Care Strategies for All Generations

Elf himself will inspire self-care strategies for spreading cheer during this holiday season 🙂

As the weather gets colder in the Arizona desert and we begin to prepare for a busy month, Meagan wanted to share some holiday tips inspired by one of her favorite holiday movies: Elf! 🎄✨

self-care strategies for all generations

Did you know? “The original script for Elf was written with Jim Carrey in mind for the lead role, but it sat in production limbo for a decade before eventually being picked up by Ferrell.”

In this 2003 holiday classic, Buddy the Elf’s contagious enthusiasm reminds us, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!” While Buddy’s holiday spirit resonates with some, others may find this season overwhelming.

Holiday Spirit & Stress

According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people report increased stress during this time due to financial strain, time crunches, and family obligations. “The holiday season sparks conflicting feelings as over two in five U.S. adults (43%) would use both positive and negative words to describe the holidays, and 72% agree that the holiday season can feel bittersweet.” Recognizing these challenges allows us to create intentional moments of self-care and multigenerational connection.

Buddy-Approved Self-Care Strategies for a Jolly Season

The National Institute of Mental Health describes self-care as “taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical and mental health.” Let’s borrow a page from Buddy’s playbook and add some fun to our holiday self-care routines!

1. Have a “Buddy” Day!
Spend a day doing only things that bring you joy. Whether it’s rewatching Elf, indulging in your favorite holiday treats (maybe holding the spaghetti with syrup), or crafting DIY decorations, dedicate time to activities that light up your spirit.

2. Spread Cheer Through Acts of Kindness
Buddy loves making others smile! Channel his enthusiasm by surprising coworkers with handwritten notes or sharing cookies with neighbors. Studies show that acts of kindness boost mental well-being. For inspiration, download the Mental Health Foundation 50 random acts of kindness poster here.

3. Dance It Out
Turn up the holiday music and have a dance party! Whether you’re swaying to “Jingle Bell Rock” or Buddy’s favorite “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” moving your body releases endorphins and reduces stress. “Dance is an antidote to stress, a way to combat negative emotions, an elixir for the body, mind, and brain,” write Christensen and Dong-Seon Chang—an Argentine tango dancer and swing dancer—in their 2021 book Dancing Is the Best Medicine.

Self-Care Strategies for All Generations

The holidays look different for everyone, so customize your self-care to meet your needs:

Mental Health Resources 

If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to seek professional help. Here are some trusted resources to support mental health during the holidays:

This holiday season, let’s take inspiration from Buddy and find joy in the little things. Whether it’s singing loud for all to hear or simply taking a mindful moment to yourself, self-care can make the busy season brighter. Remember: the best way to spread holiday cheer is by being kind—to yourself and others!

Thanksgiving Guide to Multigenerational Connection

While turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie are some must-haves around Thanksgiving, other essential ingredients are connection, humor, and meaningful moments! With multiple generations gathered around one table (or Zoom screen), Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to appreciate the unique perspectives we each bring. Every generation has a unique approach and being mindful about personal preferences can help make everyone’s holidays more enjoyable.

Before gathering around the table, let’s consider how we can connect with the multiple generations! 

Thanksgiving

Connecting with Multiple Generations

  • Baby Boomers (1946–1964): Boomers often cherish long-standing Thanksgiving traditions, help prepare meals, and value reflective moments of gratitude. Questions like, “What’s your favorite Thanksgiving memory?” or “How has Thanksgiving changed over the years?” can create meaningful conversations.
  • Generation X (1965–1980): Often balancing work, family, and hosting duties, Gen Xers appreciate efficiency and creativity during the holidays. If they’re hosting, ask how you can assist. Bringing a side dish or helping with cleanup goes a long way.
  • Millennials (1981–1996): Millennials love to make Thanksgiving their own, often hosting “Friendsgiving” celebrations in addition to traditional family gatherings. Millennials value collaboration, so involve them in planning the meals or activities! For example, let them curate a Thanksgiving playlist or suggest a unique side dish. 
  • Generation Z (1997–2012): Tech-savvy and trend-driven, Gen Z loves documenting the holiday for social media. They appreciate transparency and humor. Share funny or imperfect Thanksgiving moments to make the gathering feel real and relatable.
  • Generation Alpha (2013–present): The youngest generation brings pure joy to Thanksgiving with their unfiltered excitement and curious questions about family traditions. Keep them entertained with crafts, like making gratitude turkeys or decorating cookies. Maybe even share fun facts like, “Did you know cranberries can bounce?!”

Activities & Games for Thanksgiving Fun

“According to the National Institute for Play (NIFPlay), “play is as critical to the development of a human being as sleep and nutrition.” It strengthens the connection in our brains that controls our ability to regulate emotions and solve problems. One study found that engaging in play for just twenty minutes a day could improve mood, quality of sleep, and reduce stress.” Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or colleagues, incorporating games and activities can turn any gathering into a space of connection and collaboration.

Thanksgiving with Colleagues

  1. Gratitude Wall: Set up a “Gratitude Wall” in the office or use a digital tool like Padlet for remote teams. Each team member writes what they’re thankful for on sticky notes (physical or virtual). Add a twist by encouraging generational reflections, like “What’s one technology you’re thankful for?” or “What tradition makes you feel grateful?” Get inspiration from these 19 Fun Gratitude Wall Ideas for the Office from teambuilding.com! 
  2. Generational Trivia: Divide employees into teams with representatives from different generations. Trivia questions should cover various topics, such as “What was the best-selling toy in 1985?” or “Who was the top artist on Spotify in 2023?” Check out jeopardylabs.com for a fun virtual experience with categories ranging from Traditionalists to Generation Z! 
  3. Pie Swap: “We’ve all heard of cookie swaps, but have you heard of pie swaps? If you’re in-person, each team member can bring a pie (homemade or store-bought) to share with the team. If your team enjoys some friendly competition, have everyone vote for their favorite pie and award a prize to the winning baker.”

Thanksgiving with Friends & Family

  1. Thanksgiving Time Capsule: Create a time capsule with contributions from family members and/or friends—write letters to future selves, including photos, or small items representing the year. Set a future date to open the capsule, such as five or ten Thanksgivings from now, to reflect on how things have evolved.
  2. Generational Charades: Prepare prompts based on cultural moments from different eras, like “Doing the Moonwalk,” “Explaining AOL,” or “Recreating a TikTok dance.” Teams must act out the prompts while others guess. Consider playing Mind the Gap — “the ultimate generational trivia game that includes pop culture questions from Boomer, Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z generations, as well as hilarious challenges that will get you out of your seat to recreate nostalgia from everyone’s glory days.“

Humor: The Universal Connector

When all else fails, Thanksgiving is a perfect time to laugh together. Shared laughter fosters a sense of belonging and community. It’s a powerful reminder that despite our differences, we’re all human. Playing lighthearted games, sharing funny holiday memories, or watching a classic comedy goes a long way. “For people who are laughing together, shared laughter signals that they see the world in the same way, and it momentarily boosts their sense of connection,” says social psychologist Sara Algoe, co-author of the study with Laura Kurtz. Let’s zap the Thanksgiving gap this year with gratitude, humor, and connection—and create a holiday everyone will be thankful for!