01/03/2026
2025... a year that asked everything of me, and then some.
This year held much sadness, deep loss and demanded strength I didnโt know I had. I said goodbye to my oldest sister (Paula) in March and my father in August. Later in the year, my dog (Byrdie) was diagnosed with cancer. Grief showed upโฆand still shows upโฆ in waves, often when I least expect it. ๐
Thankfully, the storm gifted a silver lining. Losing my sister, Paula, has brought me, my mom and my sister (Dani) closerโฆwe now get together once a month, choosing connection and showing up for one another in ways that matter.โ๏ธ๐ค๐
There were also moments of accomplishment and happiness.
- I traveled with my childrenโฆMichigan with Liam and New Zealand with Chloe, creating shared memories that weโll carry with us forever. โ๏ธ๐ฅฐ
I returned to the things that make me feel most like Me:
- turning my house into a home which included installing a doggy door, revamping my front entryway, building a patio cover and decorating my home in a style that brings me joy, ๐ช๐ก๐
- cooking and hosting friends and family, ๐ฝ
- I picked up my camera again after setting it aside for more than 20 years, ๐ธ
- read 81 books (this includes audiobooks )๐,
- and my creativity has been reawakened with new projects and ideas underway. ๐ก๐
I exceeded my business financial goals ๐โฆand while I fell a bit short of what was โwrittenโ as my personal financial goals, I am deeply grateful that I was able to help my mom after my sisterโs passing and care for my sweet Byrdie when it mattered most๐โฃ๏ธ; a reminder that goals shouldnโt be set in stone, rather continuously molded to withstand the weather and guide us through the many seasons of life.๐ฑโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐งฌ
2025 reminded me that joy and grief can coexist, that resilience isnโt loud, and that progress doesnโt always look like the way we've planned. ๐๐ช๐ฅโบ๏ธ
Iโm walking into 2026 changed, grounded and thankfulโฆfor the love and support I received from my friends & family and for growth. โฃ๏ธ๐ Iโm hopeful for the future and ready to receive whatever lies on the other side of the storm.๐