It's a new year, and it's like the whole world is planning on starting over again. Everywhere on social media, you see posts like new year new me. New year resolutions and a heart full of gratitude is all I see online. And with all these, I can't help but reflect back to all that has happened to me last year. Honestly, 2025 was not easy for me. But looking back now, those moments that broke me, those moments filled with discomfort and struggles, those moments where I felt like giving up. Those moments changed me. Those were crucial points in my life last year

Half way through last year, I remember feeling like the world was out to get me. I got scammed, and lost a lot of money. Money I had been saving up for years. I was also facing some serious health challenges. I felt so weak, I couldn't even lift a finger. At some point it felt like I was slowly going away.

But God saw me through it all. I didn't remain in that illness nor the disappointment. It wasn't easy picking up the pieces of myself that were left after hitting rock bottom. But I did. I learnt resilience,I learnt true courage. Staying strong and keep on going even when I had no strength left in me, even when there was no inspiration, no motivation and even though things didn't make sense at that point in my life, I kept on going. And for that, I’m really proud of myself and grateful to God for being alive to see this new year.

One thing that kept me going last year was when I received a surprisingly encouraging message from a distant friend of mine. Someone I least expected, who had no idea of what I was passing through. That message helped me see the light in the tunnel. It helped me see hope beneath all the chaos. Something changed within me that very day and my view and perspective about life changed. I began redirecting my life and focus for a better future.

Now, here I am, seeing the first day of 2026 and I couldn't be more grateful. My heart is filled with nothing else but gratitude. For both the good and the bad. Because they helped mould the version of me that I am today. So despite the fact that 2025 came with its storm, trials and tribulations, it also came with growth, strength and clarity. And I’m glad I came out stronger, wiser and more in tune with myself and who I am becoming.

So here’s to all the lessons, the healing, and the new days ahead.

All pictures taken with my phone

#### THANKS FOR READING THROUGH

grateful heart