
As I reflect on 2024, I am struck by the paradox of life—the blend of challenges and beauty that has shaped my journey this past year. It’s been a year of growth, of stretching, of learning, and of becoming. Every hard moment, every obstacle, every tear has contributed to my transformation. I don’t wish these struggles away; they are part of the fabric of who I am. And through it all, I’ve grown to truly love my life, not despite the hard, but because of it.
I’ve been silent on social media for the last few months as I reflected on all that has been happening in my life and the world. I have been taking time for me, finding joy in the simplest things, and just feeling all the feelings. In this time of reflection, I’ve been able to slow down and focus on what truly matters. My family has grown as I consider Bergen’s and her two wonderful girls part of my family. Learning to navigate life together in a shared space has brought its own set of joys and challenges, but it’s a journey filled with love, laughter, and growth. Family is what truly matters. Because, at the end of the day, family is what grounds me and brings me joy. I can’t wait for 2025 and the positive changes that are on the horizon—that I’ve been waiting so long for.
There’s something magical about a fresh new year. But for me, it’s not about reinventing myself or setting lofty resolutions. It’s about embracing where I am and the journey I’m on. That’s why, instead of resolutions, I choose a "Word of the Year"—a guiding light, a touchstone to keep me grounded and intentional. For 2024, my word was Joy, and through all the challenges, I found it. Joy in the smallest moments, joy in the growth, and joy in the love that surrounds me. Reflecting on how joy guided me has made me even more intentional about the word I chose for this year. For 2025, my word is Becoming.
Becoming is about engaging fully in the process of transformation and growth. It means allowing myself the freedom to step into the sunlight, to learn, and to simply be. It’s about discovering and embracing my natural rhythms of growth, one day at a time, while letting go of the need for perfection or urgency.
This word connects deeply with everything I’ve experienced this past year. The challenges I faced in 2024, the joy I found in the smallest moments, and the way I’ve learned to navigate the challenges of figuring out who I am and what I want the second part of my life to be—all of it has been part of my becoming. It’s a journey of not just doing, but being. Of recognizing that each day, with its triumphs and struggles, moves me closer to becoming my truest self.
As I embrace the idea of becoming, I recognize the intricate tapestry of my life. My complexity reflects the depth of my experiences, and I wish to honor that. Becoming means acknowledging the ways I feel and respond to others—both their positive and negative energies—and choosing to navigate those interactions with intentionality. Supporting families and others is a vital part of my journey, but so is remembering to care for myself in the process. Each challenge, triumph, and setback has been part of this process of becoming—a constant unfolding of my truest self. By being present and engaged in my life as I deserve, I continue to embrace who I am meant to be.
This year, I will let go of people-pleasing and embrace being true to myself. I will accept who I am, even if it’s scary. Becoming means allowing myself to listen to the moments of discomfort, like shame, and use them as opportunities to grow rather than sources of self-judgment. I’ve been inspired by the "Let them" movement—a powerful reminder to let others be who they are, without letting their actions dictate my peace, while also allowing myself to just be.
2024 reminded me that life’s greatest lessons are often wrapped in difficulty. But those challenges, when embraced, create beauty and strength. And so, I step into 2025 with an open heart, ready to continue the journey of becoming—leaning into growth, transformation, and depth in relationships, experiences, and my own self-discovery.
Here’s to a year of growth, of sunlight, and of becoming. Slowly but surely, I’ll get there, one day at a time.
As you step into this new year, I invite you to think about who you are and who you want to be. What dreams, intentions, or values call to you? Don’t let the fear of what others think, or the endless "shoulds," dictate your path. Embrace change and truth, even when it feels daunting. Don’t lose yourself in the noise—instead, walk in the light of your own becoming. You are worth it, and this journey is yours to define.
As you step into this new year, what word, value, or intention will help you navigate the days ahead? Take time to honor your growth, embrace who you are, and honor yourself and others. Together, we can create space for meaningful change and connection.
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