The holiday season is supposed to be all about joy and togetherness, right? But let’s be real: sometimes it just feels heavy. If you’re feeling a little down around Christmas, you’re definitely not alone. I get it—this time of year can bring up all sorts of feelings, especially if family relationships are a bit rocky or if you’ve had your share of difficult times. The good news? You’re never truly alone because God is right there with you.

God is Always There

When things get tough, it’s comforting to remember that God is walking alongside us, even in our saddest moments. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “all things work together for good to those who love God.” That’s such a comforting thought! It means that even when life feels messy, there’s a bigger plan at play. Those tough times can actually help shape us into who we’re meant to be.

Cherishing My Children

I’m so grateful for my son and daughter, with whom I share a close bond. Their laughter and love fill my heart with joy, especially during the holiday season. In the past, we have created special memories together—baking cookies, decorating the tree, and enjoying movie nights. The remembrance of these moments me that even when life is challenging, the love we share makes everything worthwhile.

I also have older daughters whom I may not be as close to, but my love for them remains strong. I hold onto the hope that, in time, we can build our relationships further. Family can be complicated, but love doesn’t fade; it evolves.

Finding Support in Community

While family dynamics can be challenging, leaning on friends and community can make a world of difference. I’ve found that connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly healing. Friends often step in to fill the gaps, offering their love and support when family relationships feel strained. Even though I spent Christmas Day lying in bed, a lot of my friends text me and invited me places, simply asked how I was doing, or just wished me a merry Christmas.

I remember one year feeling particularly low during the holidays. A good friend invited us over for a gathering, and it turned out to be just what I needed. Surrounded by warmth and laughter, I felt a sense of belonging that lifted my spirits. It’s moments like those that remind me how important our connections are.

Sharing Love with Others

This year, I created several crafts that I gave as gifts. I made three Owala tumblers featuring a special logo I designed, which includes a cross, the Maysville logo, and the Ohio State University logo, for another mom to share. The Lord inspired me to give them to her, and I found that creating has been incredibly therapeutic for me. It brings me so much joy to share these gifts with people who appreciate them.

I also helped my daughter, Alyssa, make six sets of coasters for people who may not have the warmest feelings toward me. Despite that, I was determined to finish what she had started. I find peace in my heart; while I can’t control how others feel, I can choose to spread love and kindness.

I also completed some other crafts for important people in Noah and my life. I’ve included some photos at the end 🫣

Reflecting on Growth

The holidays also serve as a time for reflection. I think about all the lessons I’ve learned through the ups and downs. Each challenge has shaped me and brought me closer to my faith. It’s reassuring to know that God has a plan for us, even when we can’t see it. That assurance helps me stay grounded and hopeful.

Celebrating Togetherness

At the end of the day, it’s about togetherness—whether it’s with my close son and daughter, friends, or even new connections made during this season. Celebrating the love we share can help us push through the sadness and embrace the joy that’s still there, waiting to be found.

Conclusion: A Heart Full of Hope

As we navigate this holiday season, let’s keep our hearts open to the love surrounding us. Embrace the moments with your children, cherish your friends, and lean on your faith. While sadness may visit, it doesn’t get to stay. We have the power to create joy, spread love, and find hope in every situation.

This Christmas, let’s hold onto the promise that we’re never alone. God is with us, guiding us through the tough times and celebrating with us in the good. Together, we can make this season meaningful and filled with love. As my boyfriend has told me every day for the last three years, I feel led to tell you : You are loved, you are supported, and you are never alone.

• I’ve included some photos of my crafts that have kept me busy during this tough time

You know those days when it feels like the universe is just throwing curveballs at you? Yeah, I’m living it. Lies and accusations are swirling around me like a bunch of pesky mosquitoes, and let’s be honest—it’s pretty darn frustrating. But instead of letting it all get me down, I’m finding ways to cope and keep my sanity intact. Here’s how I’m managing to stay afloat while the chaos swirls around me.

Acknowledging the Pain

Let’s face it: feeling sad sucks. It’s like trying to get out of a pool full of Jell-O—sticky and hard to manage. The accusations directed at me can feel like a heavy backpack filled with rocks that I didn’t sign up for. Guess what? Acknowledging that pain is the first step to kicking it to the curb.

Personal Reflection

• Bloggery: I’ve decided to try again at something I call “bloggery”, when in fact it’s just my fun synonym for blogging. Writing down my thoughts helps me sort through the emotional mess and gives me a clearer head.

Coping Strategies

So, in my quest for sanity, I have been practicing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Sounds fancy, right? It’s basically a toolbox for managing emotions. And trust me, I need all the tools I can get.

Mindfulness Practices

• Breathing Exercises: When the accusations hit hard, I take a moment to breathe. Inhale, exhale, and repeat until I feel like I’m not about to lose it. Seriously, it’s like hitting the refresh button on my brain.
• Grounding Techniques: I also try to ground myself by focusing on what’s around me. “What color is that wall? How many socks are on the floor?” (Spoiler: a lot.) It helps me stay present and not spiral into a panic.

Distress Tolerance Skills

• Self-Soothing Activities: When the going gets tough, I indulge in things that bring me joy—like baking cookies (which I may or may not eat all in one sitting) or binge-watching my favorite shows. Who needs therapy when you have chocolate chip cookies, right? STEP AWAY FROM THE COOKIES. 🤣

Productivity Amidst Struggles

Even though things are chaotic, I’ve channeled my energy into being productive. I mean, if I’m going to be stuck in a storm, I might as well build a cozy little fort!

Examples of Productivity

• Home Projects: I’ve tackled home improvements that I’ve been avoiding, turning my space into a haven. Who knew hanging wallpaper in your bathroom could be so therapeutic? Just don’t ask me about the time I tried to assemble furniture without instructions—let’s just say it didn’t end well.
• Personal Growth: I’m also diving into hobbies. Why did the yarn break up with the crochet hook? Because it found someone who really “knit” its needs! 🧶 bahaha I have been trying to focus on knitting and crocheting for decades. I always get sidetracked with something else I need to do. In this time of personal growth, I’m making time to work on developing hobbies that I have interest in. On that note, I’ve also been studying Dad jokes. 🤣🤣🤣
• This isn’t a new project, but renovating the indoor space for my rabbits has been quite the time sink! I’m proud to say that I’ve managed to keep the bunny vibes and smells under control. Let’s be real—bunnies can be a bit messy with their excess potty habits! As my uncle likes to say, I’m determined to show that bunnies can totally be indoor pets. 🤣🐰🏡

Awareness of Adversity

I know my enemies are lurking like that one friend who always shows up uninvited. Here’s the deal: I’m not letting their negativity dictate my mentality. I’m all about self-improvement, and I’m keeping my eyes on the prize.

Staying Vigilant

• Mindful Awareness: I’m staying aware of my surroundings and my interactions. It’s like being on a reality show—who’s going to trip me up next? Spoiler alert: they won’t. Like many other things I’m discussing: I’m not perfect at this, but I’m certainly working on it. 

Embracing Peace and Positivity

Choosing not to be consumed by negativity is a game-changer. Instead of letting those bad thoughts take root, I’m cultivating my own little garden of peace.

Positive Affirmations

• Daily Affirmations: I’ve started saying affirmations like “I am strong” and “I’m a rockstar.” (Okay, maybe I’ve been a rockstar my whole life and I’m just acknowledging it 🫣🤣.) It’s like giving myself a pep talk in the mirror every morning!

Faith in Justice

I firmly believe that the truth will come out. It may feel heavy right now, but I’m holding onto hope for a brighter future—especially when it comes to custody and just life in general. Patience and cooperation? I’m all in!

Hope for the Future

• Visualizing Success: I like to visualize positive outcomes, like winning the lottery (or at least a game of online solitaire). It keeps my spirits high and fuels my determination.

Conclusion

Resilience is a superpower we all have, even if we don’t wear capes. So, to anyone out there facing similar challenges, find your strength and lean into your personal growth. Life may throw us some curveballs, but our response can be our greatest asset. Let’s embrace our journeys and keep the faith that brighter days are ahead—preferably with a bunch of cookies. 🍪🤭

OK, enough writing. It’s about to storm and I still have to go to Hobby lobby and Rural King. Bunnies and crafts, they take up 95% of my time and thoughts.

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I’m way better at sharing my thoughts than actually acting on them. But hey, if you’re feeling lost or struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out! You’ve got this, and I’m here to support you!

Thank you for reading, make today great 🖤

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There’s a quiet kind of growth that happens in the moments no one sees—the moments when you choose kindness even when it’s hard, or when you create joy for someone who may never acknowledge it. I’ve learned that growth rarely comes wrapped in comfort; sometimes it shows up in the small, complicated decisions that test who we are at our core.

Recently, I found myself reflecting on something as simple as making Christmas gifts with my daughter over the years. Coasters, crafts, handmade keepsakes—the kinds of things that carry more heart than perfection. Many of those gifts were for people who, to be honest, would probably never choose kindness toward me. “Enemies,” if we’re being honest.

Did I receive thank-yous? No, not really. Did I expect to? Not at all.

What I did receive—and what I didn’t realize I was seeking—was a sense of peace. The joy of sitting with my daughter, creating something beautiful together, and modeling grace in situations where bitterness would have been the easier route. Even at my lowest points, I’ve pushed myself to stay positive, or at least to reach for positivity, no matter how far away it felt.

And the more I grow, the more I realize something else:

Happiness doesn’t come from your appearance or from others’ approval.

It comes from the intentions behind your actions, even when no one ever notices them.

Lately, that sense of intention has shown up in unexpected places—like the grocery store aisle. I never imagined adulthood would mean standing there with my glasses on, reading every food label like I’m cracking a secret code. I don’t particularly enjoy being the adult who has to compare grams of sugar and look up ingredients I can’t pronounce. Honestly, there are days I miss the version of me who ate whatever she wanted without a second thought. But even in that small frustration, there’s growth. There’s awareness. There’s intention.

And intention, I’m learning, is everything.

It turns out happiness isn’t found in effortless choices—it’s found in the choices that reflect who you’re becoming. The choices rooted in love, self-respect, and the desire to do better, even when it’s inconvenient or unglamorous. The choices God sees, quietly and clearly.

I’ve said it more recently than ever: God knows the intentions of your heart. He knows what’s in your mind. And that truth has been reshaping the way I move through the world—one gift, one moment of kindness, and yes, one food label at a time.

So today, and every day, I hope happiness finds you in your own heart and in your own mind. Not because everything around you is perfect, but because your intentions are rooted in goodness, growth, and honesty.

And if I happen to lose a few more pounds along the way… well, I certainly won’t complain. 😬

While driving to Toledo today, I used voice-to-text to capture and share the thoughts and feelings that surfaced along the way. There’s something about a long drive—just you, the road, and your own mind—that brings buried truths up to the surface. Today, mine asked to be spoken out loud.

For nearly eleven years, I’ve carried a toxic belief about myself—one I said out loud and felt deep in my bones. I thought I was damaged. Not because anyone told me directly (even though some did), but because after the accident, I was never quite the same. I wasn’t as strong, as steady, or as confident as I used to be. Physically, I had been in a great place. Mentally, I thought I was too… but looking back, that wasn’t completely true.

A couple of weeks ago, someone told me that I “identify myself as damaged.” This came from someone who has walked through trauma herself—she’s damaged after nearly losing her son to leukemia. But here’s the truth: she isn’t a psychologist. She isn’t a behavioral analyst. She’s simply someone with an opinion.

And honestly? I’m done letting other people’s opinions define me.

Letting Go of Ego, Pride, and Other People’s Voices

I was listening to Jeremy Camp’s song “Survivor”, and the lyrics hit me in a way I wasn’t expecting. When he sings about throwing ego and pride into the fire and letting only the survivor remain, it felt personal.

Whether my ego is big or small, it needs to stop running the show.

Whether my pride is strong or weak, it needs to lose its grip.

Every day I’m learning new ways to adapt, grow, and handle struggles. And one of the most important lessons I’m learning is this:

Stop letting other people’s opinions decide who I am.

Whether I’m damaged, healing, broken, or rebuilding—those are conversations between me and God. Not random people who haven’t held a meaningful conversation with me in an over a decade, if ever. Not people who know only rumors or assumptions.

People love to have opinions. And sure, everyone has a rear end, and everyone knows what comes out of it.

Working on Myself Doesn’t Mean I’m Broken

Yes, I have some residual effects from a brain injury. Yes, I’m working on myself every single day. That doesn’t make me damaged—it makes me human, it makes me resilient, and it makes me honest about where I am.

Meanwhile, the people who cling to hatred toward me… I genuinely feel sorry for them. Because hatred is heavy. It eats you from the inside. It takes every negative thought and amplifies it until you forget what peace feels like.

I know this because I’ve had my own battles with hatred. I’m actively working on that. When those toxic thoughts surface, I tell them to leave. I take authority over negativity because if I don’t, it will take authority over me.

For Anyone Struggling: The Strength Is Already in You

If you’re dealing with addiction, anger, bitterness, or any mindset that feels like it’s controlling you, hear me:

You have more control than you think.

Movies love the cliché of someone searching for strength they’ve had inside all along. As cheesy as it sounds, it’s true. We often look outward for solutions when so much of the answer is already in us.

And if you’re filled with hatred toward me personally? You don’t have to be. Hatred is a choice—one that only hurts you. I can’t say I’m perfect in this area either, but I am working to take control over those thoughts instead of letting them consume me.

Keeping hatred inside only punishes me, and life has already punished me enough. I don’t need to do it to myself.

Analyze your thoughts. They matter more than you realize.

This is what I’m practicing daily, and what I encourage you to try:

Pay attention to your thoughts—especially the loud ones.

If hatred toward someone, or pain, or bitterness, or resentment is taking up mental space multiple times a day, it isn’t healthy. It’s not helping you. And it’s not permanent.

Whatever is consuming your mind, you can cast it out.

You deserve peace.

You deserve healing.

You deserve freedom from other people’s opinions.

And so do I. 🫶🖤