The Lessons I’m Carrying Into the New Year
As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on everything I’ve experienced this year—the growth, the challenges, and the moments that really made me see myself. Honestly, this year taught me a lot about letting go, trusting, and leaning into the present.
One of the moments I’m most proud of is making peace with the past and releasing what no longer serves me. I realized that I was still carrying feelings from people and situations from 2023 and 2024. And I was like, “Bitch, wtf?” This year, I embraced the people who stayed—and the new ones who make stickers out of my face—and I finally realized that I’m not 100% the problem. And that’s enough for now.
A challenge that taught me a lot was trusting the universe when it told me to take a break. There were moments when I felt like quitting, crashing, or just giving up. But God, the universe, and life reminded me, “Sike, mija—you just needed a pause. We got you.” And I kept going, showing up where it mattered most.
This year, I also became very clear about who I’m no longer willing to be. I’m no longer the version of me that overexplains, overextends, or carries guilt that was never mine to begin with. I’m no longer shrinking myself to be understood or staying emotionally tied to things that already expired. I’m learning that exhaustion is not a badge of honor, and that rest doesn’t mean I’m falling behind—it means I’m listening.
Believe it or not, the moments I felt the most peace this year were when I let my partner lead. I’ve always been a woman of strong character, taking control in almost every situation—especially in relationships. But this year, I allowed him to show me he could handle things. That shift let me flow more into my feminine energy… maybe even made me a little more llorona, lol. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me trust and surrender—not just in relationships, but in myself.
Speaking of getting out of my comfort zone, I also challenged myself to show up more on screen. I live a lot in my head when it comes to being seen or heard, so I don’t always create voice or video content. But this year, I pushed myself to share more, to teach, and to connect. In 2026, I want to lean even further into that space—more sitting down, more talking, more honesty.
When it comes to self-love, this year was huge. Getting back into the gym helped me reconnect with my body and release emotions I’ve been carrying for years. I’m learning to love myself through all the phases—the bad, the ugly, and the llorona. I’m slowly breaking free from what others expect me to be and learning to admire who I truly am. I see reflections of my parents in myself—small things I once criticized—and I’m learning to honor those pieces.
To the version of me who thought she had to do everything alone—you didn’t fail, you survived.
To the woman who didn’t trust softness—you were protecting yourself the only way you knew how.
And to the girl who carried everyone else’s weight—you’re allowed to put it down now. I’ve got us.
Boundaries also became a big lesson this year. I learned to create space with people who want to trauma bond or project onto me. Protecting my energy isn’t about shutting people out—it’s about respecting myself and being honest about what I can hold.
Relationships—both friendships and romantic—taught me to trust more. I realized I’m not as alone as I once believed. There’s always someone to lean on, to talk to, or to vent with. I don’t have to bottle everything up until I spiral anymore.
Looking ahead, the patterns I want to release in 2026 are procrastination and self-doubt. I can’t keep pushing things to “tomorrow” and convincing myself they don’t matter. I want to trust myself and the things I create—whether it’s a blog, a podcast, rituals, or something new.
What I want to carry into the new year are the people who truly supported me—those who see me for who I am: Josseline. The healing, broken, strong, growing version of me. I want to nurture those connections and release the old, fearful, defensive version of myself.
Next year, I want to focus more on healing, especially for the women who are ready. It’s not about numbers or how many sign up. Sometimes healing looks like one woman choosing herself—and that alone can shift generations. And that is more than enough.
Here’s to 2026: a year of trust, self-love, growth, and deep connection. May we carry our lessons with pride and step into the new year fully aligned with who we are.
If you’re reading this, I invite you to pause and ask yourself: What lesson are you carrying into the new year? Not what hurt you—but what shaped you. Write it down. Sit with it. Honor how far you’ve come. Growth doesn’t always look loud or perfect. Sometimes it looks like choosing yourself quietly, over and over again.