I’m not gonna lie, 2025 tested me. Mentally. Emotionally. Spiritually. Financially. It was the kind of year that makes you question your choices, your direction, and sometimes yourself. And if I’m being honest, there were moments where “being strong” didn’t look like grinding harder or pushing through. It looked like sitting still. It looked like asking for help (I’m still working on this one). It looked like admitting I was tired and didn’t have all the answers.

We’ve been sold this idea that strength means never breaking, never failing, never slowing down. But that version of strength burns people out. Real strength is adaptability. It’s knowing when to push and when to pause. It’s being honest with yourself instead of performing resilience for other people.

You can be strong and still grieve. You can be strong and still feel lost. You can be strong and still take L’s straight to the face. Strength is not the absence of struggle. It’s choosing not to quit on yourself while you’re in it.

As we move into 2026, I’m less interested in being unbreakable and more interested in being real. Real about my limits. Real about my needs. Real about what actually matters. If last year taught me anything, it’s that pretending you’re fine costs more than just being honest.

Take a few minutes and really sit with these. Write them down if you can.

There’s no right or wrong answer here. This is about clarity, not perfection.

As this new year unfolds, give yourself permission to redefine strength for yourself. Not based on hustle culture, not based on other people’s expectations, and definitely not based on what social media tells you strength should look like. You get to decide.

If you feel comfortable, reply to this email and tell me what strength means to you right now. I read every response, and your perspective might help someone else feel seen.

If you had a win, a lesson, or even a hard truth hit you recently, send that too at [email protected]. We grow better when we grow together.

And if this newsletter resonated with you, forward it to someone who might need the reminder. Let’s keep building a community that values honesty, resilience, and showing up as our full selves. We Celebrate You

Whether it’s getting out of bed when you didn’t feel like it, checking in on a friend, or showing up for yourself in a small way, it all counts. Your effort matters.

If you’ve had a recent win, breakthrough, or proud moment, share it with us at [email protected]. Your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear this month. Got a question about mental health or therapy? Send it our way. We’re here to support you and help point you in the right direction.

And if you know someone who’d vibe with this newsletter, forward it to them. Let’s keep growing this space together.

You’ve reached the end. Thanks for reading. If you have’t already go ahead and subscribe and lets grow this thing together. Also, do me a favor a forward this to 2-3 people who you think would enjoy reading my monthly writings. I greatly appreciate you and have a great rest of your day!