Reflection on 2025

"I scheduled all of the appointments on my list..."

I have to admit, there was some excitement when I realized that I accomplished this goal.

I'm sure you have been there. The referrals begin to stack up, waiting for the office to call back, or the frustration when the appointment was canceled. Especially after scheduling it for six months out.

But, when entering into another year, I wanted to make some changes when it came to health. There were the appointments I put off for too long. This time, I was determined to find answers or at least ones related to my ongoing health challenges. While I didn't always receive the news I was hoping for, I did make the appointments. And that was a big step.

This is similar to how my year went. There were moments of feeling overwhelmed with work and just life. I went through seasons of feeling discouraged because I had to let go of some of what I considered important because of my health.

Throughout this year, I grew when it came to navigating challenges with my health. I went to various PT sessions and even began wearing regular shoes a few times a week. I still wear my AFOs, but I'm trying to strengthen my feet more by not relying on them all of the time. This is something I didn't think would be possible.

I finished my online child life courses. And though it still feels far away before I will enter this field, I'm taking the next step by working on internship applications.

God opened doors for me to share my story in a few different events. Two of them being in person (which was a blessing). I also had more opportunities to dive back into guest writing. I already have some I'm working on that will be shared sometime next year.

Some of the highlights were the unexpected ones. From dancing in the rain, going to the beach in November, learning to make gluten-free cinnamon rolls, and seeing the grand canyon. I hope that there are even more spontaneous adventures and fun in the new year.

But, one of the greatest blessings from this year was the friendships, the new and old. I found a church that is close to my house and started attending more regularly since May. This is such an answer to prayer as I've struggled to make it to church the last few years because of my health. I don't always feel well on Sundays. But, going to one closer has helped.

I don't know what this next year will bring, but I will continue to take one day. Trusting in the Lord's timing.

What are some unexpected blessings from this year? How did you grow even when faced with challenges?