I cannot believe the year is almost over, and we are about to enter a new year. When things were going well, it seemed like 2024 flew by, but when I was going through some rough patches, time seemed to slow down. Regardless, another year is among us, and I am blessed to be able to see 2025.

I have used these last couple of days to reflect on my year, and I want to share those reflections with you and hopefully encourage you, too.
Here are some of the lessons I learned this year:

Be intentional. There is a saying that you must make time for what’s important in life. That is the definition of being intentional. You must choose what is important to you each day. This year, I learned to be intentional about self-care, boundaries, and investing my time to what’s important. I did not get it right every day, but I set my mind to things that I felt were necessary to bring me peace and joy.
Practice mindfulness. Being mindful is an act of focusing one’s full attention only on the present, experiencing thoughts, feelings, and sensations but not judging them. I am still growing in this area, but I learned to be more mindful of my words and thoughts. As a man thinketh, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). I am also learning to be more present instead of focusing on the past or future. Practicing mindfulness has helped me be more mindful of how I spend my time, what I say to others, how I spend my money, and even what I eat. I have struggled with all these areas, and mindfulness is helping me overcome these things.
Surrender. As a very independent woman, surrendering is a struggle for me. I have had to make things happen on my own for such a long time, so surrendering is a struggle because that means I must give up control. This is an area that God is always working on with me. I am learning to surrender control of my future and the hurtful things people say and do towards me, and trying to have it all together. I have learned to go with the flow. It’s not easy, but I have so much more peace. I did not thing I was going to be able to buy a home this year. I was told no several times. I wanted to make it happen alone, but instead, I prayed about it and surrendered it to God. He opened the right door at the right time and did much more than I could ask or imagine. I am truly grateful. Surrender means giving it to God and trusting He will make everything work for your good.
Don’t underestimate God. People always ask me how I moved from Nashville, TN, to Little Rock, AR. It’s not something that I ever planned. It was all God. I never thought I would uproot my life and move to this city, but God had a different plan. And moving to Little Rock has opened so many more doors than I would have ever had the opportunity to go through in TN. Never underestimate God’s power and what He can do in your life.
Practice gratitude. Each day, I wake up and reflect on the many things I am grateful for. Some are big things, and others may be minor, but regardless, I have much to be thankful for each day that I am here on this earth with a sound mind and an able body. As an educator, I have had my fair share of students who have passed away and left this earth. Many of them did not live to see the age of 18, so I do not take for granted all the things this life has to offer, and I make sure to give thanks for them each day.
Find peace. I have been through some significant challenges this year, but being at peace has been the most rewarding thing. Peace is something no one can take from you. It can be pure chaos around you, but being able to stay in peace is priceless. There are moments when people and things try to work me up, but I try to ground myself in peace, knowing that this, too, shall pass. I feel at peace with God, myself, and others as I end the year.
Lastly, walk in your gift. Often, I try to minimize the gifts and talents God has given me. I do not like attention, and I never want to seem like I am boasting, but God has truly given me amazing talents to make a difference in this world. I am blessed for the calling He has on my life. And the beautiful thing is that we all have different gifts. Walk confidently in who God made you to be and what you bring to this world. You are special, unique, and important.

I am looking forward to another great year with many new memories. I know God has great things in store for you and me.
Many blessings as you enter 2025!