A Year of Life Transitions, A Future Full of Hope
The past year was hard. Always overwhelmed, lonely, and at times, deeply depressed. I let go of the things that once brought me peace; self-care, routines, even writing. My energy was focused entirely on surviving a series of major life transitions.
I sold the family home. Before that, I decluttered two decades of memories, packed up our life, and downsized into a new condo. I did it all while my husband worked overseas—physically distant, emotionally present. I managed it on my own, caring for my son and our two dogs during his final year of high school, all while watching both of our sons reach incredible milestones—one graduating high school, the other college.
There were moments I didn’t think I’d get through it. During this time I lost my consulting contract and didn’t have the bandwidth to figure out “what’s next.” My health suffered from stress, from weight gain to high blood pressure. I felt sick.
But now, finally, I feel like I’ve made it to the other side. Stronger. Wiser. Happier. My husband and I are reflecting on all we’ve managed to endure and accomplish. We’re learning to give ourselves grace. We are finding joy again. And we are looking forward.
Thank You
To my friends, my family…thank you.
When I missed Rikard so much it hurt, when I wrestled with anger, frustration, and fear, you reminded me that what we have is real. I was lonely, and you invited me over for Tuesday dinners. We were in between homes, and you opened your door, welcomed us without hesitation, and made me feel seen and safe. When I moved into the condo, you helped me hang artwork and unpack boxes, and you didn’t just help, you showed up. When I stopped caring for myself, you reminded me to be kinder to your friend—me—and gently nudged me back toward self-care.
You met me for coffee. Listened. You checked in, week after week. I never had to ask. You were just there.
Resilience after Life Transitions
This year brought me back to a place I hadn’t visited in over two decades, back to the emotional chaos I felt during my divorce. The confusion. The exhaustion. The silent moments filled with stress and self-doubt.
But I found something in myself that I’d forgotten: resilience.
It wasn’t pretty. Resilience didn’t arrive wrapped in optimism or strength. It showed up quietly, on nights I cried alone, in mornings when I forced myself out of bed, in every decision to keep moving forward even when I didn’t want to.
And here I am. Still standing. Stronger. Braver. Not the same woman I was a year ago, but maybe, in many ways, a better one.
For Anyone Going Through It
To anyone navigating a hard season, please hold on. Transitions are rarely graceful. They’re messy, exhausting, and often isolating. But you will get through them. One step, one day, one tiny victory at a time.
Give yourself grace. Ask for help. Accept love when it’s offered. And trust that joy will return. It always does.
Onward
As I close the door on this chapter, I’m not just proud of what I’ve accomplished, I’m deeply grateful for the people who stood beside me and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Change doesn’t wait for the perfect time, and growth rarely feels graceful. But if you’re walking through your own season of uncertainty, take heart: you are stronger than you know. The future has room for healing, joy, and hope. And sometimes, it begins the moment you let go of what was…and lean into what’s next.
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