Hello Darlings,

With the Christmas tree softly glowing downstairs and my bedroom overlooking the living space of our country home, the house is quiet and still—except for the occasional snore from one of the dogs. It’s in these serene moments that my mind finds clarity, and I’m drawn back to jotting down my thoughts. It’s after midnight now, and December 24th has begun. Pregnancy insomnia has a way of keeping the mind wandering, no matter how exhausted the body feels. Add to that the kicks and somersaults that seem to turn up at this hour—life in the third trimester truly has its own rhythm.

It has taken me time to open up about my pregnancy, but as this journey continues to transform me in surprising ways, I feel ready to share pieces of it. As the year draws to a close, many of the uncertainties I’ve been grappling with are beginning to settle into place. That brings with it both a sense of calm and a newfound resolve: to let go of what I cannot control.

For someone with a Type-A personality like mine, this isn’t easy. Yet, the challenges of the last two years have been humbling and transformative. They’ve taught me the power of acceptance and how to surrender to the flow of life. This year has been about deep soul-searching and, most importantly, letting go—especially of the self-imposed expectations that I’ve clung to for far too long. In hindsight, I wonder if I was setting myself up as my own emotional adversary.

Another major focus has been coming to peace with my body and health. Navigating the challenges of a Hashimoto’s diagnosis was both a relief and a steep learning curve. It took over two years to truly understand what my body needs, to trust my instincts, and to prioritize my well-being. I’ve worked closely with my endocrinologist, educated myself about hormones and autoimmune health, and sought regular therapy. These steps have been crucial in reclaiming my mental and physical health.

Looking back, this time last year was one of the darkest periods my family has faced. We endured the pain of pregnancy loss and a parent’s hospitalization. It was a time of immense grief and uncertainty. While 2023 began with joy—our wedding in May—it ended with heartache, and the first half of this year became a journey of healing.

Healing, I’ve learned, doesn’t follow a timeline; it demands surrender. It’s taken me a year to reach a place where I can even begin to talk about it. In time, I hope to share more of our experiences in the hope that it may help others navigate similar pain. For now, I can say that this year has been a testament to personal growth, resilience, and family.

On the professional front, this year helped me refocus on what truly brings me joy. I’ve stepped away from teaching for the foreseeable future. While I’ve always loved being in the classroom, the politics and complexities of the field began to clash with my values. Navigating these nuances felt misaligned with who I am, so I made the decision to leave. Institutions take time to evolve, and for now, I’ve chosen to focus on aspects of my career that feel aligned with my integrity. What I’ve discovered is that my real passion lies in the creative side of my work—crafting client strategies and bringing ideas to life. It’s where I excel and find fulfillment.

This year has reinforced an important lesson: trust the timing of your life.

Our Christmas tree at our country home in Quebec where we are spending the holidays.

Surrendering your plans for a greater one isn’t always easy, but it often leads to the path of least resistance. Whether it’s your health, relationships, career, or another aspect of life, there’s a purpose to every moment—good or bad. In the darkest times, what kept me going was the belief that tomorrow is another day. Even when today feels impossible, the hope of a better tomorrow keeps us afloat.

As women, our resilience is remarkable. My hope for 2025 is that it becomes a year of “today” rather than “tomorrow”—a year where each day feels like a step closer to the life that brings you joy and calm.