My First Blog Post of the Year: Thriving Through Change

Welcome to my first blog post of the year

I’m not starting with a perfectly color-coded goal chart or a dramatic “new year, new me” manifesto. Instead, I’m starting with honesty, a little humor, and a word that feels right for the season I’m in: Thriving Through Change.

Before moving forward, I wanted to pause and look back. 2025 was guided by the phrase Peaceful Progress, and honestly, that sums it up better than anything else. It wasn’t always calm, and stress absolutely had its moments, but I handled things with more awareness than I have in the past. I noticed when I was overwhelmed sooner, recovered a little faster, and gave myself permission to rest instead of pushing through everything just to prove I could. I spent meaningful time with my child, stayed closely connected with my family, and made space — even if only occasionally — for joy and creativity. Career-wise, I didn’t land exactly where I want to be yet, but I gained clarity, and that feels like an important step instead of a failure. Overall, 2025 was imperfect, intentional, and quietly full of growth.

As this year begins, change is already knocking. My child is heading to kindergarten, which somehow feels both exciting and completely unreal. My husband is graduating pilot school, though there’s still more training ahead, so we’re firmly in the “almost there” phase of life. And personally, I’m focusing on building a healthier lifestyle — more mindful eating, more movement, and a lot more listening to what my body actually needs.

That’s where my word for the year comes in. Instead of bracing for all of this change or just trying to survive it, my intention is to thrive through it.

For me, that means approaching health with consistency instead of extremes. Eating better without perfection, moving my body in ways that feel grounding rather than punishing, and managing stress before it takes over. It means being more patient during transitions at home and protecting special moments with my child, even when life feels busy or chaotic.

It also means honoring what I need professionally. This year, I’m looking for a role where I feel aligned with the mission, respected for my abilities, and trusted to do the work I know I’m capable of. No more shrinking to fit where I don’t belong. And because thriving shouldn’t be all responsibility and no joy, I’m committing to learning something new just for fun. My husband’s nana is incredible at stained glass, and I’d love to learn from her — to create something beautiful, a little imperfect, and completely hands-on. Financially, this year is about momentum and stability. Finishing the work of paying off remaining debt and beginning to save toward refinancing our home feels like another way of supporting the life we’re building.

This year isn’t about reinvention or unrealistic resolutions. It’s about alignment. About choosing progress that feels sustainable. About staying present, grounded, and open — even when things are changing.

As this year unfolds, I’m reminding myself that thriving doesn’t mean having everything figured out. It means showing up, adjusting when needed, and choosing what feels aligned over what simply looks impressive. I’m stepping into this year not with a perfect plan, but with clear intention, curiosity, and a lot of grace. If you’re also navigating change or uncertainty, I hope this year brings you steadiness, small wins, and moments that remind you you’re doing better than you think. For me, this year is about becoming more rooted in who I already am — trusting myself through change and believing that thriving is possible, even when life doesn’t slow down.

Here’s to starting the year thoughtfully, imperfectly, and with intention.

Here’s to thriving through change.