Five Things I Learned in 2025

I did not expect 2025 to look the way it did for me. Job loss, a medical crisis, and so many unknowns shaped this year. But through those unknowns came life lessons I am forever grateful for. As we say goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026, I want to take time to reflect on a year filled with both deep lows and unexpected highs. Some of my hardest moments happened this year — but so did some of my most meaningful ones. As this year comes to an end, I want to highlight five things I learned through it all.

1. It is okay to not be okay

A lot happened this year. From losing my job at the beginning of this year to ending up in the ICU for a day, life took many twists and turns I was not expecting. It is okay to be sad. It is okay to be angry. It is okay to feel all the feelings. Share them. Let someone in. Take time to process and heal. Then start to move forward.

2. Take a Chance

This year I really dedicated time to social media, especially TikTok. The goal being to be a source of positivity and encouragement to others. The growth and progress have been slow, which can be frustrating. You question everything and if it can work. But the community I have built I am so thankful for. They are the reasons I started posting and continue to post. I’m so glad I took that chance. If you are feeling called to do something that may be out of your comfort zone, take the chance. It is so worth it.

3. Continue to Dream

After my health scare, I became so convinced that I would never be able to live life the way I had been. I thought I would never be able to travel the way I had been or even work full time again. Thanks to the encouragement of my family and medical team, I did. I ended up traveling to LA for a taping of the Blind Auditions of The Voice. Being out in the California sun was so refreshing. Also being on the set of the Voice again was a dream. Being on that small sound stage surrounded by the lighting and production was amazing. In a strange way, I felt at home. I love California and anytime I get out there I am so grateful. I also continued looking for a full-time job. I ended up finding my dream job close to home! Getting back into full-time work and also getting to connect with colleagues again has been so good.  If you have a dream for what you want in your life, continue to push towards that dream.

4. Give Yourself Grace

I really had to learn it is okay to not have things go the way I planned or hoped. I put a lot of blame on myself and became my own worst critic. One area I really struggled with this was my workout routine. Anytime I did not follow through, I became very hard on myself.  I would feel defeated and frustrated. I had to learn to give myself grace. Not everything has to go perfectly. We are human. Things happen. Not everything will go as planned, and that is okay. If you are like me, start giving yourself grace.

5. Have fun

To quote Hannah Montana, “Life’s what you make it” and that’s so true! So, make it fun! Life can be hard sometimes, but it’s important to enjoy it and have fun. One time this year for me was when I was still looking for a full-time job and had just gotten over my health issues. I was still in a dark place but knew I wanted to do something fun. That trip to LA for The Voice taping was that for me. Did it make sense for me to fly across the country and do this? Absolutely not. But I knew it was something fun I really wanted to do. So, I made it work. And I’m SO glad I did. It was the BEST experience of my life. So, even when it seems like life is hard and not going your way, don’t forget to have fun!

These are just a few things I learned this year. I encourage you all to reflect and think about what you learned throughout the year. What are you taking from this year into 2026? I hope y’all enjoy ringing in the New Year with loved ones and can’t wait to continue this adventure into 2026.

XO - Jen