Tag: intentional living

As 2025 comes to a close, I like to take time to reflect on the year—what it’s taught me, how it’s stretched me, and what I’m carrying with me into 2026.

2025 was a year of change. Beautiful, emotional, uncomfortable, growing kind of change.

The highlight of my year was becoming a grandmother. It has brought me more joy than I ever imagined, but it also stirred up unexpected emotions. I found myself wishing I lived closer to my daughter and her family. I want to be the one who pops over to help when the baby is fussy, who babysits at a moment’s notice, who gives my daughter an afternoon off when she’s overwhelmed. Those longings led to moments of, “I’m not happy here.”

Since I bought a house with my sister last year, my living situation is set for a while. But what surprised me was the wave of grief I felt—grief over not being there for my daughter and granddaughter in the way my heart wanted. So I took those feelings to God, and He gently gave me my word for 2026: content.

Not “content” as in social media content—but content as in satisfied, at peace, rooted in gratitude.

I found myself thinking about my own mother, and how different our situations are. When my girls were born, I lived in Texas—over 1,100 miles away from her. She was a three-hour plane ride away from her granddaughters. I’m a three-hour car ride away from mine. She saw my girls once a year. I see little Sophia at least once a month. My mom saw her granddaughters grow up in pictures I mailed to her. I get daily photos and videos sent instantly to my phone.

In so many ways, technology has become my best friend. My mom didn’t have this. I’m blessed. And God reminded me of that. He reminded me that if needed, I can be in the car and with my granddaughter in just a few hours. And, bonus—there’s an Amtrak route from Joliet to Springfield, which my daughter has already taken several times for quick visits.

God also started pruning things in me—little things, but things that were stealing my peace. Like stressing over the temperature in the house. Menopause is unpredictable, and I can’t expect everyone around me to match my changing thermometer. What used to feel big has become small, and I’m learning to just let it be.

I started school this year—and then realized school isn’t for me right now. But I also learned something important: I actually AM smart enough. That lesson alone was worth it.

I’ve set some goals for 2026 that touch my physical well-being, my mental health, and my creativity. And I’ve been leaning more into what God wants me to do, not just what I want to do. One thing He made clear? I’ve become very whiny this year. Very complainy.

One day while walking the dog and having my usual “I’m not happy with my life” internal rant, the Holy Spirit cut me off with a loud, clear “STOP COMPLAINING.” And I literally stopped in my tracks. He was right. I’ve been complaining about things that many people are praying for—a good job, a beautiful home, stability. That realization shifted something deep in me. And with that shift, God started giving me ideas on how to improve both my home and my work life.

This season of pruning hasn’t always felt good—but correction rarely does. Yet I’m grateful for it. A loving father corrects His children, and I know I am deeply loved by God. This season has helped me release old hurts I didn’t even know I was carrying.

2025 was also a year of unexpected provision. My car accident ultimately allowed me to pay off almost all my debt—aside from buying a new car. And that new car has been such a blessing, not only to me but also to my family. My sister and I were also able to refinance the house. Now I’m this close to being debt-free except for my home and my car. My stretch goal for 2026? Pay off that car.

It’s a big goal—but I serve a big God, and He finishes what He starts.

As for this Christmas season, for the first time in many years, all my shopping was done in cash and kept beautifully simple. With my home decorated and the presents wrapped early, I’ve spent the rest of the year wrapped in the comfort and coziness of my home, surrounded by as much family as can be here.

2025 has been a challenging year of personal growth, but a meaningful one. I’m finally starting to feel more like the version of Vikki that God wants me to be.

And I can’t wait to see what 2026 brings.