Well, I am ending the year weighing less than I started the year- both literally and figuratively- as I am also ending the year with more credit card debt than I had on January 1st (a lighter wallet). It truly pained me to type that truth out. Every year, I join the ranks of people around the globe who set out to make better financial decisions and save more money. And every year I end the year disappointed for missing that goal. Unfortunately, this year was no different… but it is my final year of living this way.

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I used to set the bar really high for my New Year’s resolution. The goals were always the same- weight loss, working out more, spending less, saving more, etc. By about March, whatever plans I had literally fade from my memory, and I am left with living out the year the best way that I possibly can. However, 2025 was a bit different than in years past. This year, God set me on a path to find balance in my life. The year began with my resignation from several positions, both inside and outside of the school building, positions that I held very dear to me. As the days and months went by, I approached every situation/opportunity with the question, “Will this help me maintain balance in my life?” If the answer was YES, I would proceed; if the answer was NO, I stepped away from it. I cannot say that one side outweighed the other, but I can say that my YESes brought me joy and my NOs brought me peace… or maybe it’s the other way around. In any case, I was intentional about finding balance in my life.

With today being the last day of 2025, I can honestly say that while I did not accomplish my financial/debt goals, I did accomplish my life goals- and for that, I am extremely grateful. Normally, I would wallow in despair for missing some goals, but instead, I want to celebrate by giving God praise for all that He has done. I am not perfect (hence the missed goals), but I fully recognize that every accomplishment in my life is due to His providence, favor, and love; I literally would not be here if not for Him.

Sweet friend, I want you to take a moment to write down your accomplishments from 2025. What went well- not perfect, but well? What blessings were bestowed upon you? How did God show His love towards you? What testimonies now exist where tests/trials once resided? I am convinced that if we focus on the good, we will realize that we accomplished more in 365 days than we initially thought. For what it’s worth, I’m proud of you, Beloved; despite all that you have been through, you are still here. It’s like God said He would keep you in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3), would not let any weapons prosper that form against you (Isaiah 54:17), and would continue His good work within you until the day of Jesus’s return (Philippians 1:6). Hmm.. that’s curious, isn’t it? 😉

This is not an all-inclusive list, but below are some of the blessings of God in my life this year. Please feel free to share your list with me. I love you so much; Happy New Year!

• Several new travel experiences
• A clothing line
• Clarity of mind
• Health and strength
• A really phenomenal dentist (and dental staff)
• A passion for writing
• A heart for mentoring youth
• A loving life-partner
• The ability to find and use my voice