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This Year

This year, as I celebrate another spin around the sun, I’m struck by how much can fit into 365 days—the wins, the heartbreaks, the lessons, and the unexpected turns that have shaped me. It hasn’t been an easy year, but it’s been one of growth, grit, and moments of grace. If nothing else, I’ve come out of it with a deeper appreciation for life’s chaos and the strength it takes to navigate it.

First things first: Reconnecting with Faith.

This year, I found my way back to God, and honestly, it felt like stumbling into a warm hug after being out in the cold for too long. Rebuilding my spiritual foundation reminded me that I don’t have to shoulder life alone. When things felt uncertain, faith gave me peace. It’s been like having a lighthouse guiding me back whenever the waves of life threatened to pull me under.

Prioritizing Myself (Finally).

For years, I put others first—family, friends, obligations—often at the expense of my own needs. But this year, I flipped the script. I learned to set boundaries, to say no without guilt, and to protect my peace. It wasn’t easy; some people didn’t understand, but prioritizing my well-being was one of the best gifts I’ve ever given myself. Turns out, “selfish” isn’t a dirty word—it’s survival.

Standing Up for My Daughter.

One of the toughest decisions I made was confronting my daughter’s father about his inconsistency. I told him to stay away if he couldn’t commit to being a stable figure in her life. It wasn’t an easy conversation, but it was necessary. Advocating for her was one of my proudest moments this year. She deserves reliability, and as her mom, I’ll always fight to give her the best I can.

Letting Go of Draining Friendships.

This year, I had to Marie Kondo my friendships: if it didn’t spark joy, it had to go. Cutting ties with people who brought more stress than support wasn’t easy, but it was freeing. In their place, I’ve been investing in connections that feel real—ones built on kindness, understanding, and mutual respect. Quality over quantity, always.

Losing My Job but Finding Myself.

Losing my job for four months wasn’t part of the plan, but it taught me the value of preparation. It was a wake-up call to invest in myself—to get the licenses and certifications I’ve been putting off. It was a tough time, but it also motivated me to step up and position myself for better opportunities. Sometimes, setbacks really are setups for a stronger comeback.

Loving from Afar.

This year, my boyfriend went abroad for his studies, and it’s been rough. Long-distance is no joke, but it’s taught me patience and trust in a way nothing else could. I miss him more than words can say, but I know this distance is temporary, and our bond is strong enough to weather it. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?

Navigating Family Dynamics.

Ah, family. It’s always a mixed bag, isn’t it? This year, I’ve worked on not letting my siblings’ antics drive me up the wall. I’ve learned to take a deep breath (or ten) and choose calm over chaos. As for my dad’s lack of responsibility, that’s a harder pill to swallow. But I’m learning to release expectations and focus on what I can control—my own reactions and the life I want to create.

Gratitude in Every Lesson.

Through it all, I feel grateful. Grateful for the challenges that tested me and the wins that reminded me why I keep going. Grateful for the people who’ve stood by me and the strength I’ve found within myself. This year was about finding my voice, setting boundaries, and embracing the messy but beautiful process of self-discovery.

As I step into a new year, I’m carrying these lessons with me. I’m setting goals that reflect who I am and what I value. I’m choosing relationships that uplift me and leaning into the opportunities that come my way. There will be challenges—I know that—but with faith, resilience, and a touch of optimism, I’m ready for whatever’s next.

Here’s to new beginnings, deeper connections, and more moments of growth. Shoutout to me for surviving a year that tested me in every way. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m still here, still standing, and still hopeful.

Happy birthday to me. 🎉9/9......also growing older has me worried because why don't I like the songs my baby is singing? Hazibambi 

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