The best is yet to come

Wow! I can’t believe it’s already time for another yearly reflection and focus word. Truly feels like just yesterday I was sick, exhausted, and praying one simple prayer: healing. Healing was my word for last year. Healing both mentally and physically, and looking back now, I can say with full confidence that God answered that prayer.

Let’s rewind. This year held so much healing. I started the year at Passion, and I left with the fullest cup. One I didn’t even realize how desperately empty it had been. I hadn’t been poured into the way I needed, and God brought me there so unexpectedly. I’m so glad I listened. That experience alone helped heal so much ministry fatigue I had been carrying.

Not long after, God asked me to do one of the hardest things of the year; leave a position I was no longer called to. This one hurt. I spent weeks crying and grieving it. But I also knew that when God tells me to move, obedience matters. Even when it’s painful. That decision ended up bringing healing I didn’t anticipate. Healing for my body, my nervous system, and my overall health. It gave me space to slow down, focus on myself, and finally get to the root of what my body had been trying to tell me.

Then came the most unexpected calling of all, publishing my book. This one still feels wild to say out loud. I didn’t know where to start or what I was doing, but God did. He directed every step, showed me every sign, and carried it all out in His perfect timing. Writing and releasing that book healed wounds I didn’t even realize I had been holding onto for so long.

At the beginning of the year, I made a prayer board on TikTok with all the things I hoped 2025 would bring (I’ll share it at the end of this post). Looking back now, I can honestly say God fulfilled most of those prayers. He helped me launch my business, Let’s Get Real, and blessed me with some of the sweetest clients. He also brought me through finishing my core PhD classes and starting my dissertation which pushed me to my absolute limit, but also proved to me that I’m capable of more than I think.

And then… the proposal 🥹

Truly one of the greatest joys of my year (yes, even more than my book 🤭). These moments reminded me that the hardship of 2024 wasn’t wasted. God really does reward faithfulness and obedience, often in ways we could never imagine.

Healing was exactly what I needed this year, even though I didn’t fully understand that when I first prayed for it. Looking back now, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude seeing how God healed me physically, mentally, and spiritually. Because of that, I’m stepping into 2026 with a healthier relationship with my mind, my body, and my faith.

Which brings me to my 2026 focus word.

You might be asking, “Why a focus word each year?” Well, simply put, I truly believe the words we speak over ourselves matter. We can speak life or death, and my focus word helps me intentionally speak life into the year ahead. This year, my word is more of a phrase: “new beginnings,” or simply, “the best is yet to come.”

I feel so much excitement and peace heading into 2026. From book events and speaking engagements, to wedding planning, prioritizing my health and wellness, finishing my dissertation, and continuing to grow my little business. This year feels like a deep breath. A fresh start. And God doesn’t give this kind of peace and anticipation for no reason. I truly believe that the best is yet to come. I’ve always felt like the age 27 would be a big year for me, and with every door God continues to open, I trust that feeling was placed on my heart intentionally.

If you’re ready to make a change in 2026, I would love to walk alongside you. I offer coaching for mental health, brain health, and your Christian walk, and I would be honored to step into the new year working toward your focus word together!

Happy New Year, friends 🤍

I’m continually praying for good health, peace, and joy for each of you in 2026 ✨🪩