One Word: Restore

Last year was hard in ways I could not have predicted. Personally, there were challenges that stretched my heart and spirit to their threadbare edges, and seasons in business that required more grit, faith, and creativity than I thought I had left. The year was one of building, advocating, fighting, reimagining. As much as anything else, it was a year of surviving. And you KNOW this girl does not like to live in survival mode for too long. This life is too big and beautiful for that.

 

I’m proud of what we built over the past year in our business but the truth is: it took a LOT out of me. It’s taken a lot out of all of us. To be a business built on bringing joy to others when you’re mired in worry is… not fun.

 

Some of you also knew I was deep into writing a new book. But then March came, and suddenly, I wasn’t. People have asked if I’ve been speaking or coaching or writing much lately, and I’ve found myself explaining that I took a pause to tend to a different season. Internally, I’ve viewed that pause as failure, like I let myself and others down. But I’m beginning to see: I didn’t abandon my voice or my creativity; I protected them. And lately, I can feel my voice and my words making their way back.

 

So as we step into this new year, I’m not choosing a word that demands hustle or loud striving. I’m choosing Restore.

 

Restore is not passive, it is tender. Gentle. It’s a reminder that I haven’t abandoned myself or the things that matter most to me and in time, they will quietly return.

 

I’m learning that light which has spent time in darkness doesn’t glare—it glows with warmth. I’m hoping to restore in myself a steady, warm light. More breath, more peace, and more presence. My hope is that is a year of restoring energy, creativity, and trust.

 

I believe deeply that better days are ahead.

 

I believe the seeds planted in the soil of sorrow will grow in joy. I’m believing that abundance doesn’t always arrive with force but with consistency, care, and time.