The End of an Era, the Beginning of a New

2025

Oh, what a year. It’s been real. See ya, Neva! lol

All jokes aside, it was a challenging and blessed year that held quite a few firsts for me. Here are the HIGHLIGHTS…

  • Completed 75 HARD after 4 failed attempts

  • Published my first children’s book — Marty Contemplates the Future

  • Took my first art class (beginner drawing)

  • Rode the mountain coaster in Helen, GA for my birthday as my first Adventure Card challenge

  • Went zip lining for the first time

  • Started learning animation

  • Created animation and artwork I had no idea I was capable of  *new powers UNLOCKED*

  • Canceled my athletic club membership in exchange for home workouts

  • Read my first graphic novel — Mae

  • Created this website and started this blog

I also did quite a bit of healing my inner child, dancing with my shadows, spending quality time with the people I love and making memories. 

I’m proud of the year that I had but it wasn’t without its obstacles. It started with pain and necessary change.

Indigestion was the culprit.

I went to a doctor and an allergist because I didn’t know what I was experiencing. I was told it sounded like silent reflux and that I needed to take pills and change my habits. 

I opted to change my habits first and see what happens.

I was eating too late at night and going to sleep on it. I’d done this for years. My body finally screamed, NO LONGER!

This wasn’t the only habit I needed to change. I ate too fast, didn’t chew my food enough and made my stomach and intestines work overtime just to break things down. 

In addition to that, I ate without drinking anything, which didn’t help; lubrication matters. It helps food move through more smoothly and reduces traffic jams.

Now, I drink more water. I eat slower. I chew more. 

I listen to my body and stop eating when I’ve had enough. These changes have been a game changer.

And when I don’t listen and experience pain, I understand why and take accountability. 

For as far back as I can remember, I was told I move “too slow.”

“Hurry up!”
“Speed up!”
“Let’s goooo!”
“You eat too slow. You’re still not finished, omg!”

Our society promotes and celebrates FAST—quickness, swiftness, urgency.

I spent years learning how to speed up in many ways, only to realize it isn’t good for my health. Moving at an unnaturally fast pace makes me clumsy and stressed. What I call fast paced is someone else’s natural pace or another person’s slow pace.  Slow and steady is where I feel most aligned—mind, body, inner G.

But since I’ve practiced fast motion for so long, now I have to relearn how to slow down again, with peace instead of anxiety.

When I slow down, I’m less clumsy and make fewer mistakes. Fewer bumps, bruises, and breaks. I don’t give myself indigestion or silent reflux. I think clearly and respond more genuinely than an auto response.

And my personal favorite: I store and feel less tension in my body, which makes me more relaxed and patient. 

Still, sometimes I get anxious and feel like I’m not doing enough—or that I’m falling behind.

“Stay in your lane,” I tell myself, “slow and steady is fine.”

2025 it’s been real and a year I will NEVER FORGET. Gratitude for all the growth, lessons and blessings.


2026 I welcome you with open arms! A new era, a new path, a new me. I embrace and embody my natural pace .

12.31.25 - 1.1.26