Returning After 14 Years-- 2025: A Year That Asked a Lot

It’s been 14 years since I last wrote here.  In that time, I stepped away from blogging, but I hadn't stopped writing.  I've captured life's moments on Facebook, in social media posts, and in the pages of my journal. Truth of the matter is, I function best when words are written.  A lot has happened in the time since I've written here — we’ve added two busy, fun kids to our family, lost our sweet Bo, welcomed a new dog, Bruno, navigated COVID, experienced family loss, and lived through all the messy, beautiful moments in between. Blogging may not be what it once was, but some things are still worth putting into words.

This post is my reflection on 2025 — a year that stretched me, stripped things down to what was real, and reminded me of what truly matters.

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2025: A Year That Asked a Lot

2025 asked a lot of me.

It stretched me in ways I didn’t see coming and stripped things down to what was real. This year wasn’t loud about its lessons—but it was relentless.

Family & Growth

I watched John Luke walk through struggle with a strength far beyond his years. There were moments I wanted to fix, fight, or shield him—and while doing all of these things, most importantly I learned how to stand beside him. His growth didn’t always look like wins on the outside, but it looked like resilience, grit, and heart. And that changed me as much as it changed him.

I watched Carly Jane fight battles most people never see. Her strength, spirit, and resilience reminded me daily that bravery doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it looks like getting up, showing up, and trusting your body and heart one more time.

There were also moments where the word 'family' felt complicated — where love existed alongside grief, distance, or acceptance. I learned that you can hold care and boundaries at the same time, and that both can be acts of love.

Work & Purpose

Work wasn’t always easy this year. There were seasons where showing up took everything I had. But in the moments I could, I dug deep and poured into the parts of my work that light me up — the creativity, the connection, the purpose. Returning to what I love reminded me of who I am outside of survival.

My small business still exists, too — stronger because of the boundaries I finally put in place. I stopped doing everything, for everyone, all the time. And somehow, that made me more present, more effective, and more successful across every part of my life.

Marriage & Partnership

My marriage continues to be a place of growth and partnership. Michael and I learn how to support, challenge, and celebrate each other while navigating life’s ups and downs. This year I hope to continue to remember the importance of prioritizing our relationship, making space for connection, communication, and shared joy. Our marriage has become less about the story I thought it would be and more about who we are becoming together. Love isn’t about perfection — it’s about showing up, listening, and building something lasting together. I’ve learned how to stay soft while building strength, and how much courage it takes to love fully and openly.

Reflection on People

This year clarified people. Some stayed. Some didn’t. Some surprised me. And some absences spoke louder than any words ever could. I stopped chasing understanding and started honoring truth — especially when it was quiet.  

I also found myself rebuilding old friendships that had shifted over the years, reconnecting with people who remind me of who I am at my core.  At the same time, new people entered my life-- bringing fresh perspectives, support and unexpected joy.  This year reminded me that relationships are fluid, and that both holding onto what matters and opening space for what's new are acts of care.

There were heavy weeks. Long nights. Moments of patience, heartbreak, and quiet endurance. And still — there was love. Growth. Grace I didn’t know I had.

Looking Ahead

As the year closes, I’m stepping into a new space — literally and figuratively. I’m choosing stability, intention, and the slow work of building something that feels like home.

As 2025 comes to a close, I can see it clearly for what it was:  a year that asked a lot, gave necessary lessons, and shaped in lasting ways.

I didn’t get the year I expected — but I got the strength I needed.

My word for 2025 was intentional, and this year asked me to truly live that out. I learned that patience isn’t passive; it’s active. I slowed down, dug deep, and trusted the process — even when life felt uncertain. I held my children a little tighter, leaned into my passions, and leaned on the people who matter most — all with intention.  As I step into 2026, my word is rooted — rooted in faith, in family, in purpose, and in the values that ground me when life feels shaky. Building on what I’ve learned, I’m committed to staying present, steady, and deeply planted in what matters most.