What I Learned from a Year of Growth
When the year comes to an end, I like to look back and figure out what was the theme? What is my word for the year? Some have been full of grief, others have been full of joy and new beginnings, and then there have been years that challenged me.
This one certainly challenged me. I decided to focus my energy on creating meaningful work in the grief space, and along the way I realized that I am building something far more important - myself. The imperfect human behind it all. Even though this work feels most aligned with all my hearts desires, it required a lot of change from me – internally.
My word this year is Growth. And there are a few things I learned (and we are still integrating!)
If you set out to do things you have never done before, you will have to step into the mind of someone you have not yet become.
I spent more time than I would have liked pushing through some serious self-doubt this year. I knew all the things I wanted to accomplish would force me to take the lead, but I have always been uncomfortable being a leader and making decisions. Quite a dilemma! Blending in and following the herd has always been my vibe – and usually not in my best interest. But no one is going to listen to the message I’m trying to spread if I am hiding behind the person next to me. And thankfully this work sets my soul on fire so that old mentality wasn’t going to fly anymore.
I slowly began marketing myself around my community, joining this event, that meeting, hosting writing workshops, and truly making it up along the way. As wildly fulfilling as it all was, it also rattled my nervous system and my insecurities. To calm my nerves, I would try to move like the future version of myself would. She was sure of herself, so I would act like her! This is still a work in progress, but with enough repetition it does start to stick.
Moments of growth are often things we can’t see, but that we can feel. It’s not always big and loud, but quiet and uncomfortable.
It feels like saying yes even when it scares you, slowly overcoming lifelong fears, listening to your intuition when you are used to listening to the opinions of others, or trying new things and really sucking at it, and having a quiet courage to try again. It feels like gaining new insights on yourself and discovering new strengths. It means going through some really difficult periods but coming out the other side with fresh eyes and gained wisdom.
I think faith plays a big part in this as well. We don’t know how it’s all going to turn out, we can’t see it - that outcome we search for (and we’re not supposed to). Trusting in something that feels right, and moving in that direction is the best we can do. And know that any mistake you make is simply a lesson learned. I believe it is all leading you where you are meant to go.
In the moments when you feel like you aren’t making any progress, look inside and feel how much is changing within you. We often measure success in how much we can produce, but the work you are doing behind the scenes matters too. Don’t get me wrong, it feels amazing to accomplish our goals, big or small, but those moments don’t happen 365 days a year. We spend most of our time quietly building and growing, and that’s going to feel uncomfortable at times, but stay present and keep on moving. This was a hard one for me this year!
Any sort of personal growth boils down to one honest truth – it is all on you, for you.
We spend the most amount of time with ourselves, so the person who is going to notice all that change- is you! When you do something you’ve never done before, or you cross something off that dream board, there is no confetti throwing mariachi band that rolls through. Your family and a handful of friends may care, but you have to care - that’s it. It must mean something to you. I had plenty of solo drives home from events and there were quite a few dance parties. Make sure you light yourself up.
It’s a bonus and a blessing if your family and friends believe in you, but you must believe in yourself. And be proud while you make these steps towards reaching your true potential, your true self. I feel like we shy away from feeling proud because society tells us to shrink down - but I call BS! This growth sh*t is hard, and it is your one precious life, so pride should be felt!
I have done more things that scared me this year, than in my whole life. And I hope to do much more! It sure is scary as hell to leave that comfort zone but when you are growing towards something that you love, it morphs into feelings of excitement. With growth always comes transformation, and we are all here to evolve, aren’t we?
I will never pretend that I have all my ducks in a row, doing it scared has sort of been my motto this year. So, I say all of this as a person who is a forever student in this life. I know I will continue to grow, change, and learn new things. But I do intend to move with a lot more faith in 2026!
I started this year feeling so unclear and uncertain. I still don’t know what’s on the path ahead, but I learned to lead more with my heart and less with my mind. I believe it was Glinda the Good Witch that said “you’ve always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself” Well I sure learned some things for myself this year Glinda!
So, if you did things that stretched you and challenged you this year, I’m proud of you! You moved forward even when the path ahead was unknown. If you are on a similar journey, please grow for you, and grow for the future that you desire, because you are so deserving of a life that feels good and joyful.
Happy New Year to you all! Cheers to beautiful things in 2026.
