Closing One Chapter, Stepping Into the Next

The Quiet Shift

This year was… interesting. Settling back into stay-at-home mom life came with its own kind of stillness. I’m deeply thankful I was able to be home, because I really needed it. My focus this year was healing, getting back into simple morning and evening routines, slowing my days down, and reconnecting with the things I loved as a kid. It wasn’t flashy, but it was necessary.

My Art Journey This Year

I started with a sketchbook and just began drawing anything, everything. Portraits are my favorite (and definitely the hardest to master), but I’ll draw food and flowers in between to keep things light and fun. Art has taught me how to slow down and actually sit with my work instead of rushing to finish. I’ve been creating pieces that reflect me and the things I love, and through that, I’ve gained a stronger sense of self than I’ve had in a long time. I visited Hunter Museum of American History on a solo trip which really opened my eyes to different art forms and how to view art.

Choosing Stillness Over Chaos

This summer, I made the decision to stop going out and drinking. No liquor, just the occasional sour beer. Last year, I went through something really scary and ended up in a full-blown manic episode. It shook me. That experience played a huge role in why I chose to focus on healing and learning how to better handle hard situations. I realized I was trying to find parts of myself through drinking, and instead, I was just sinking deeper into depression. Once the noise stopped, clarity showed up. For the first time, I felt a real sense of self and peace in it.

What I’m Carrying Into the New Year

OMMMGGG!! I’m so excited to start my pole journey in 2026. I cheered in middle and high school and always felt strong and confident in my body, but after two kids and being home, that connection faded. Pole feels like a way to rebuild strength, confidence, and trust in my body again.

I’m also continuing my natural hair journey. Seeing my hair in its natural state and learning how to care for and style it has been such a powerful experience. Embracing my natural hair feels like one of the rawest forms of self-love for me, especially in this political climate. Women have always been demonized, and WOC especially feel like we’re under a microscope right now. Choosing myself, my expression, and my softness feels radical.

I plan to start a YouTube series focused on self-expression, self-love, and documenting this year-long journey. As a photographer, storytelling matters to me, and as a mom, I want my kids to have this piece of my story too.

Looking Forward

As I step into the new year, I’m choosing intention over pressure. I’m letting go of society’s timelines and expectations and choosing curiosity over perfection. I’ll also be turning 30, which makes everything feel full circle. Aging is framed as something to fear, but honestly, we still have so much life left to live.

Closing Thoughts

This next chapter is about alignment. I’m excited, grounded, and ready to share my work and connect more deeply. Here’s to not becoming someone new but becoming more myself