As the year comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on the challenges and lessons I’ve experienced. This has been a year of change, growth, and more than anything, patience—a quality I never realized I needed to cultivate until life demanded it.

One of the biggest changes in my life was the decision to close my personal training and health coaching business. This wasn’t an easy choice. After the birth of my daughter, I realized that my business’s demanding schedule didn’t align with the life I wanted for my family. Returning to school full-time, while also being a full-time stay-at-home parent, felt like stepping backward at first. I questioned myself, wondering if I was making the right move by starting over in a new field.

But as the months have gone by, I’ve come to see this journey in a new light. Yes, it’s been challenging. Balancing coursework with the constant needs of a little one has stretched me in ways I never imagined. However, it’s also been incredibly rewarding.

The Value of Learning and Growth

Returning to school has been a transformative experience. I’ve gained knowledge and skills that are not only building my competency but also bolstering my confidence. As a nontraditional student, I’ve realized the immense value of education—not just in terms of career opportunities, but also in personal development.

Each class I complete feels like a step toward a brighter future, and I’m proud of the person I’m becoming. There’s something deeply empowering about learning new things and seeing how far you’ve come over time.

The Struggle with Patience

Despite the rewards, I’d be lying if I said there haven’t been moments of impatience. There have been days when I’ve looked at my degree timeline and wished I could fast-forward to graduation, to the day I re-enter the workforce and begin this next chapter of my career.

But patience has a way of teaching you things you didn’t know you needed to learn. This year has shown me that meaningful growth takes time. I’ve come to appreciate the process instead of just focusing on the destination. The lessons I’m learning now—both in the classroom and in life—are shaping me into someone who is more resilient, resourceful, and ready for what’s next.

Gratitude for the Journey

As I reflect on this year, I feel grateful. Grateful for the challenges that have pushed me. Grateful for the opportunity to return to school and pursue a new path. Grateful for the lessons in patience that have made me stronger.

This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. I’m learning to embrace the process, trust the timing, and celebrate the growth along the way.

To anyone else navigating big changes or embarking on a new chapter: give yourself grace. Growth takes time, but the rewards are worth the wait. Stay patient, stay open, and remember to celebrate every step forward.

Here’s to embracing the journey, one lesson at a time.