12 Days of Christmas

On the fifth day of Christmas, we revisit my birthday reflections. My birthday, nestled in October, often serves as a reminder to begin my year-end review. This year consisted of endings that felt both bittersweet and liberating, as I shed layers of the past and navigated a season of transition.

Additionally, it offered moments of pause, allowing me to immerse myself in gratitude for the people, places, and things in my life. I think of the friendships that have blossomed, the cozy corners of my favorite local cafes, and the lessons I've learned from the challenges I've faced.

I also celebrated my ability to pivot and change course when life called for it. Each ending paves the way for new beginnings. As I stand at this threshold, eager for 2026, my heart is full of gratitude, hope, and excitement for what lies ahead.

“I came home, retreating into my personal sanctuary. Although it was challenging to let go of my physical office, a sense of gratitude washed over me as I enhanced my home office. My professional license, paired with my creative spirit, became a gateway to new possibilities.”