10 Things I Learned in 2025

There’s a saying that goes, “Make plans and watch God laugh.”
I like to say… make plans and be prepared to pivot.

2024–2025 didn’t look anything like I imagined it would. It was heavier, harder, and more stretching than I ever planned for. But it also reminded me of something important: we can do hard things. And as we prepare to say goodbye to 2025, I’m doing so with gratitude for the lessons it brought - even the ones I didn’t ask for.

Here are 10 things this year taught me:

1. Make plans… but stay flexible

I had a vision for how this season would go - and it didn’t happen that way at all. Life asked me to pivot, surrender control, and trust a different path. It was uncomfortable and challenging, but it also strengthened me in ways I didn’t expect.

2. Caretaking is hard - and a profound honor

Caring for someone you love takes everything you have. It’s exhausting, emotional, and humbling. But it’s also one of the greatest honors I’ve ever known. Love shows up in ways you never forget.

3. You’re never ready to say goodbye

There is no amount of preparation that makes loss easier. But grief holds lessons if we’re open to them - about love, presence, compassion, and what truly matters. Saying goodbye changes you. Let it teach you.

4. Faith changes everything

My faith carried me through moments I couldn’t carry myself. It gave me strength when I felt empty, peace when nothing made sense, and hope when the road felt uncertain. I truly couldn’t do any of this without God.

5. Pause - especially when life feels loud

When things get busy or overwhelming, the instinct is often to push harder or make big decisions quickly. This year taught me the opposite. Pause. Breathe. Slow down. Clarity comes when we create space.

6. Everything is an opportunity to grow

Even the hardest moments brought lessons. Every challenge, every transition, every uncomfortable season became a chance to learn more about myself and who I’m becoming.

7. Trust your intuition

Your body knows. Your spirit knows. When something - or someone - feels off, it usually is. Learning to trust that inner wisdom has been one of the most powerful lessons of this year.

8. Protect your time, energy, and boundaries

No one else will do this for you. Your time and energy are precious, and where you place them matters. Healthy boundaries aren’t selfish - they’re necessary.

9. Never give up hope

Even in the darkest moments, things do get better. Hope may look quiet or distant at times, but it never disappears. Hold onto it.

10. Practice gratitude - always

Gratitude doesn’t erase the hard stuff, but it softens it. It helps you see the beauty alongside the pain and reminds you how much there is to be thankful for - even in challenging seasons.

As I close out 2025, I do so with a full heart. This year changed me. It stretched me. It humbled me. And it reminded me that even when life doesn’t go according to plan, it can still be meaningful, purposeful, and good.

Here’s to carrying these lessons forward - and stepping into the next season with faith, hope, and gratitude. 🤍

Mark your calendars!

The Ladies Living Out Loud Event is always the THIRD Tuesday of every month!

Tuesday, January 20th

Water2 Wine in Buda

6-8pm

We will be sharing our goals, vision boards, habits and action steps we will be using to achieve them. talking about keeping our promises to ourselves, and how to manage our time to best focus, schieve, and create alignment.