Bad Bunny wasn’t kidding this year when he said “I should have taken more photos…” So cliche to say the year flew by maybe. I wish I had more photos to show myself all the ways I changed. To look back and pin point all the moments that stood out to me this year.

There were moments where I absolutely hated the way this year was going. Some days it felt like I wasn’t ever going to see the end. I wish I could pin point the moment everything changed. I guess that just proves healing can be slow and quiet. And if I’m completely honest, I am so proud of myself for sticking it out through all the rough parts. I’m so proud of past Amy for surrendering those moments to God, failing to give up on life and relationships, for wanting better for herself.

Sure, the recovering perfectionist Amy isn’t always perfect. But thanks to her I have been able to break complacency and mediocrity time and time again. If it wasn’t for her, I would not have had a spontaneous trip to Peru from November. That trip in and of itself was unfathomable. It had nothing to do with the sights and everything to do with God’s goodness and how privileged I am to have written a book and in the works of publishing it. And in this last quarter, God has connected me to so many people through this project. In a moment of reflection with a friend, she reminded me that if I hadn’t been moved out one place, I would have never had the availability and capacity to see this project through. God knows our pain can be a bridge to better things. And for that pain, as much as I hated how it happened and how it wrecked me, I am still so grateful it led me to where I am.

At times, it was scary moving into new territory with relationships and friendships given the last couple of years. God knows how many times I have beaten myself for saying or doing things. The recovering perfectionist in me always found a way to critique herself and provide feedback on areas of improvement. I wanted to throw up from the nerves so many times. Do you know how crazy it is that I, as an introvert, be on the welcome team greeting others??? Again, I am incredibly proud of myself for pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

Not Amy from January, nor Amy from April, or even Amy from October would believe me if I told them how this year ended. I am genuinely in awe of God and how He has loved me through and through. I am far beyond the valley of excited to see what He does in 2026. (This time I promise to take more photos…)