My Honest Reflection on 2025 (and My Word for 2026)

Wow. As I sit here today, the calendar is screaming at me: 2026 is almost here. 

There’s something about the end of December that forces us to pause. As I look back on the last twelve months of 2025, the only word that truly fits is rollercoaster. 

There were moments where I felt like I was at the highest peak, full of adrenaline, seeing the vision clearly, and feeling unstoppable. But if I’m being completely honest, there were also those stomach-dropping dips. There were seasons of fatigue, moments of doubt, and weeks where the "hustle" felt more like a heavy weight than a calling.

The Truth About the "Planning Trap"

In this season of reflection, I’ve had to have a very raw "meeting of the minds" with myself. I realized that I have a specific habit: I am a world-class dreamer. I can get so fired up about a new idea that I’ll stay up late mapping it out, buying the supplies, and talking about it with anyone who will listen.

But then comes the middle. The "messy middle" is where the work happens. It’s where the initial excitement fades and the daily discipline is required. And that is exactly where I’ve caught myself slacking off.

I had a realization recently that hit me hard: A vision board without execution is just a collage. It’s pretty to look at, but it doesn't move the needle. It doesn't change your bank account, your health, or your soul. I’m tired of looking at beautiful plans that never became a reality because I didn't have the "stamina" to see them through.

Our Word for 2026: GROWTH

When my community manager asked what the "Word of the Year" for Vision & Heels would be, one word surged to the front of my mind: GROWTH.

But I’m not just talking about growing our numbers or our followers. I’m talking about the kind of growth that requires deep roots. Real growth isn't always pretty, it usually involves some pruning and some growing pains. To reach the goals I’ve set for 2026, I am committing to a holistic approach to growth:

• Spiritually: I want to grow in my discernment. I want to be so in tune with God’s voice that I know exactly when to move and when to be still.

• Physically: I’m reclaiming my energy. No more "I'll start Monday." It’s about honoring the temple God gave me so I have the physical strength to do His work.

• Professionally: This is the year of the "Move." We are moving past the brainstorming phase and into the execution phase. We are taking the risks and doing the hard things.

Choosing Vitality Over Stagnation

Think about it this way: Anything that has life must GROW. In nature, if a plant stops growing, it begins to wither. It becomes stagnant, stale, and eventually... it smells. I don’t know about you, but I refuse to let my dreams go stale in 2026. I refuse to let my potential sit in a notebook gathering dust.

As we close out this year, I want to invite you to be intentional with me. Let’s get our houses in order. Let’s be prepared and organized so that when God opens the door to that "bigger and better" season, we aren't too busy looking for our keys to walk through it.

We are leaving room for the Holy Spirit to pivot our plans, but we are also bringing our best "effort and order" to the table.

Here is to 2026. Here is to the work. Here is to the growth.

Be blessed, folks! We are just getting started.