Dear 2025: A Year of Restoration, Healing, and Gratitude

Dec 29

Dear 2025, you came and went so fast.

At the start of each year, I choose a word to guide me—and going into 2025, my word was restoration. Now, as the year comes to a close, I can confidently say that word was right on time.

Choosing Restoration After a Season of Struggle

Before 2025, I experienced countless ups and downs and constant repositioning that left me feeling completely out of alignment. I was struggling with depression and anxiety, and it affected every area of my life—not in a positive way.

In 2024, I began going to therapy consistently, and eventually, I made the difficult decision to go on antidepressants. I had always been someone who could bounce back from setbacks on my own, but I reached a point where I needed more support. At first, I felt ashamed. To me, medication felt like weakness.

Looking back now, I am so grateful that I pushed past that shame. Choosing support changed everything.

By the time 2025 arrived, I had already learned so much through counseling. I began applying what I had learned, rebuilding my confidence, and slowly finding my way back to myself. I knew—deep in my spirit—that 2025 would be the year my light returned. My confidence, my love of life, my fearlessness—I felt it all coming back.

And now, as I stare 2026 straight in the eyes, I can say with certainty: everything has been restored, thank God.

Getting the Best Parts of Myself Back

I didn’t just get myself back—I got the best parts of me back, stronger than ever.

Losing pieces of myself taught me how to guard my heart and mind against the things meant to tear me down. One thing my counselor said has stayed with me ever since:

“If this world didn’t give me joy, how can it take it away?”

That reminder brought to mind this verse:
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” — Romans 8:31

Moving forward with that mindset, I feel deeply confident that whatever lies ahead, I will be ready to face it.

Precious Memories That Defined 2025

2025 will always hold some of the most precious memories of my life.

Aubrey took her first international trip, and St. Maarten will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
All of the girls—Aubrey, Cam, Riley, and Morgan—worked so hard to learn how to swim and pass their YMCA swim tests. Watching their pride (and ours) was unforgettable.
We welcomed a new furry family member, Saint Laurent Ross, our gentle giant and sweetest addition.
Our family trip to Florida was unexpectedly perfect—short lines, favorite rides on repeat, and stress-free fun.
My husband lost his job after eight years, which led to the biggest transition our marriage has ever faced. But as always, we faced it together and turned it into something beautiful.

That loss meant he was home the entire summer—and it turned out to be our favorite summer yet. After years of crazy schedules, having him home was the best switch-up our family could have asked for.

I could go on and on, but the truth is this: 2025 brought major change—and equally incredible joy.