What Doesn’t Kill Us Makes Us Stronger

It’s that time of the year again - time to look back on 2025 and figure out what we’ve learned, what made us stronger and what we wish we could change.

I saw a meme the other day that said, ‘I don’t want anything for Christmas. I just want everything to finally fall into place for me and my kids in the new year.’ I actually originally shared it on Facebook a year ago and unfortunately every year is harder than the last.

That being said, this might be a long one. Before I start in on what I’ve learned, what made me stronger and what I wish I could change, let me just say how did my life get turned so sideways?! One would’ve thought that AFTER leaving what was making me so miserable that things would look up. For four years I’ve been trying to figure out what I did for things to have gone so wrong….

Anyway… on to what I’ve learned this year.

I’m sure I’m not the only one that is currently on the struggle bus when it comes to finances. Especially during Christmas time. I go back and forth weekly on whether I should get a second job to work when I don’t have my boys because, I don’t know about you guys, but my workplace didn’t give raises this year and chose only a select few to receive bonuses. (Tell me how that’s fair?!) So after debating on the second job, I realized that I have one and it’s activewear. Full transparency though, I haven’t actually done anything with it all year. It’s not going to pick back up without at least a little effort on my part.

I also learned a bit more about myself and commitment. Despite my efforts, I still can’t get my feelings right. Depending on other people is not something I’m good at. There’s this man in my life who treats me like a queen and anyone who sees us together tells us how cute we are and how good I am for HIM. Truth is - I think he’s actually really good for ME too but I hear the words, couple, boyfriend, girlfriend, love and I freak out and want to bolt! Somebody please help!!

I know I’ve talked A LOT about friendship this year and that’s because I think that aspect of my life and the struggles there have made me a stronger person. This year, as some of you know, I lost a couple of what I considered close friends. Both over some pretty silly, childish stuff. I was a bit bitter for quite awhile because I was so hurt at their words and actions. However, with loss comes gain and what I gained in return is priceless! I gained family, not just friends. People who love, support and cheer you on are something I’ve never really had in my corner. So thank you, you know who you are! ❤️

What would I have changed about 2025? Well, that’s simple; to have my Dad’s health improve - not worsen. I don’t talk about this much except to close friends because I don’t want pity from anyone towards me or my family and I also want to respect my parents privacy in the matter. This has, however, been the worst year yet for my Dads health and we could honestly use a miracle. Those of you that are praying people, we would very much appreciate you sending some up.

In the end, I’d give 2025 six out of ten stars. Not likely to recommend. I pray everyday for good things to come in 2026! Remember: life is short and you never know when you’re going to get that plot twist that forever changes your life.