Cheers to 2026.
As 2025 comes to a close and 2026 slowly approaches, I feel a shift—even as I write this. Life feels different. I am in a season of becoming, and I want that evolution to show up boldly in 2026. I am growing into the woman my future daughter and my nieces can look up to with pride.
In 2025, I am leaving behind feelings of ridicule and alienation. I am releasing the version of myself still stuck in middle school—still questioning her worth, still shrinking to belong. I am letting go of the weight eldest daughters carry at every age. The voice that once told me I wasn’t good enough is finally being quieted. The version of me who thought she needed a circle is relearning how to stand firmly on her own.
Much of my twenties were spent as a secondary parent, yet in the same breath, my mother championed my pursuit of higher education—and for that, I am deeply grateful. I honor this season of reflection and cherish the semi-peace I have now, knowing it won’t always look like this once I choose differently. Gone is the girl embarrassed by how life unfolded. In her place stands a woman living inside an answered prayer.
Dear 2026,
I look forward to the woman I will evolve into over the next 365 days. 2025 carried immense heartache—from losing my Tiny to unexpectedly losing parts of my village. I’ve never known grief like this, but I trust that we will be okay. When it comes to family, I am learning that it’s okay to step back—my leadership does not have to hold everything together. In my work life, I can feel momentum building. I don’t seek power, but I know how to bend luck in my favor. Blessed and highly favored to many, but chosen by One. I see change coming—good change—and I am finally chasing the dreams I once only whispered about. The woman I envision when I close my eyes is beginning to take form.
When it comes to love—the part I hesitated to write—I think the moment might be circling back. Maybe the energy is calling again, and this time, I plan to answer. I’ve lived too long with one foot in and one foot out; I want to be all in now. The timing feels different. I don’t fully know what it means to be in love—I’ve spent most of my life flowing instead of choosing—but I want more. I want to dominate the spaces I occupy. I want to move with intention. I believe God is reminding me that this is part of my destiny—and that this time, it will work. (Or maybe I’m just in my head… we’ll see.)
My family is a lot—but they are mine. My last words to my Tiny were that I would take care of them, and while grief pulled me away for a while, I am finding my way back. What I love most is how deeply loved I am by them. My brother jokes about being the favorite—and maybe he is—but I’m the people’s champ. I was the underdog, and now I stand among the top. I look forward to one day marrying into a love they can pour into—healthily, intentionally, and in the right doses.
As for the future, I am optimistic. I welcome the blessings and opportunities ahead. To the woman who is becoming: you are good enough. You are truly that girl. Stop letting anyone convince you otherwise.