Growth, rediscovery, and one big step toward who I’m meant to be.

As the final hours of 2025 slipped away, I couldn’t help but sit back and think – wow, what a ride this year has been. It wasn’t perfect, but it was real. It was messy at times, full of unexpected lessons, and ultimately one of the most transformative years in my life.

This year marked the first anniversary of my coming out as non-binary, and that milestone alone holds multitudes. I spent so much of 2025 learning what authenticity feels like – outside of labels, outside of expectations, and inside of the truth of who I am. I leaned to move through the world with a little more confidence in my skin, even when that means unlearning comfort zones that no longer fit.

Somewhere along this journey, I rediscovered my writing voice. I remembered that words are not just something I craft; they’re something that ground me. Publishing again reminded me how good it feels to create, to put feelings into form, and share them with the world. That act alone rekindled a piece of myself I didn’t even realize I’d been missing.

Another big theme this year was education – not the kind you get in a classroom, but the kind that hits your spirit. I drove deep into studying the law, equal rights, and unjust laws across the continent, and the untold histories that rarely get the spotlight – especially about slavery and freedom in America. Understanding the systems that shaped our world helped me understand myself: where I stand, what I stand for, and how I want to show up in the world.

Of course, not everything went smoothly. Some days felt heavy, and decisions didn’t pan out the way I hoped. But even those setbacks turned into lessons. They showed me patience, the importance of accountability, and that improvement doesn’t mean perfection. Growth often comes quietly – in the choices to keep going, to keep trying, to keep believing.

And because life always needs balance, huge shoutout to Roblox. Yes, Roblox. It somehow brought me back to my childhood joy and reminded me that fun and curiosity are essential, not optional. If you ever need proof that growing up doesn’t mean letting go of what made you happy, that’s mine. Me talking as if I’m 32 and I’m 19. lol.

Now, as I look toward 2026, I’m locking all the way in. Big ideas. Big goals. Bigger energy. This next year is my re-peak – full throttle, no apologies (and less tolerance for white people). My success depends on me, and I’m ready to chase it without hesitation. Because if 2025 was the year I became more me, then 2026 is the year I take that version of myself and build something extraordinary.

Here’s to improvement, rediscovery, and the pursuit of everything that sets our souls on fire.