Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how much I’ve grown and how ready I feel to fully step into this next phase of my life. It’s not just about getting older—it’s about taking ownership of my decisions, my mindset, and the way I navigate challenges. Journaling has been a huge part of this process, helping me recognize the progress I’ve made and the areas where I still need to grow. One thing that’s stood out the most is gratitude. The more I express it, the more I realize how much there is to appreciate, even in the smallest moments.
Recently, I was forced to take a step back from the day-to-day because I got really sick. It was one of those moments where life just stops, and you have no choice but to rest. As much as it was frustrating, it also gave me a deeper sense of gratitude for my health. The experience reminded me how important it is to slow down, not just when I’m forced to, but as a regular practice. It also made me step back from work, which gave me the space to reflect on how I want to move forward.
With the new year, I’m entering it with higher expectations for myself. I have a clearer vision of what I want and what I need to do to reach my goals. That clarity feels exciting, but I also know it requires me to be intentional about my mindset and habits. There’s something powerful about stepping into a season of life where you know what you want and you’re willing to do the work to get there.
Three Things I’m Working On
1. Understanding that God’s timing is always everything. I know I can’t rush the process, no matter how much I want certain things to happen right now. Trusting that everything will unfold as it should is something I’m constantly reminding myself.
2. Taking a step back from life and reflecting needs to be more consistent. I don’t want to wait until I’m forced to slow down—I want to make it a regular practice. Reflection keeps me grounded and helps me see things more clearly.
3. Living in the moment. It’s so easy to get caught up in planning for the future, but I don’t want to miss what’s happening right now. Presence is a skill, and I’m learning how to cultivate it.
Three Things I’m Grateful For
1. My health. Being sick reminded me just how much I take it for granted. Feeling good, having energy, and being able to move my body freely is something I never want to overlook.
2. The relationships I’ve built with people. I’m so grateful for the connections I have and the people who support me. Life is so much richer when you have people who truly see you and want the best for you.
3. My heart. I love that I care deeply, that I’m always pushing to grow, and that I never stop dreaming. It’s easy to be hard on myself, but I’m learning to appreciate the fact that I always keep going.
This brain dump was necessary. Sometimes, putting everything down on paper (or in this case, on a screen) helps me see things more clearly. I’m stepping into this next season with gratitude, trust, and a stronger sense of self. I know challenges will come, but I also know I have the mindset to handle them. Growth isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.
