Empower (verb): to make someone stronger and more confident—especially in controlling their life and claiming their rights.
2025 was my year to get myself back into fighting shape at work.
2024 was a shit year. My performance review was the worst I’d ever had, and for a while it honestly wasn’t clear if I’d still have a job. I was still grieving my dad’s passing, and at the same time I was “aging out of giving a f*ck” and losing my filter. It was… not a great combination.
I knew I needed to make 2025 better.
I tried to create space to rebuild myself professionally, but life didn’t exactly cooperate. My husband retired and moved in full-time, my daughter got married, and my mom was also navigating life after losing my dad. The good news: I’m back on track at work. The harder truth: I didn’t take care of myself—and I definitely didn’t have the headspace to take care of anyone else.
So 2026 will be about me.
My health.
Making decisions that are good for me.
Saying no to things I don’t like or don’t want to do.
Getting stronger.
Letting go of worrying what everyone else thinks (without sabotaging my job again).
I’m starting small and sustainable: eating and drinking better, walking more, going to physical therapy to safely improve flexibility and strength, and prioritizing sleep.
New year.
New priorities.
Self-empowerment—on purpose.