2025: The Year in Review
2025 - The year in review - Personal growth
My intention here is to share my personal growth through a vague description of some struggles and accomplishments I experienced throughout the year.
I have found it helpful to share the wins and losses of life with others, where genuine vulnerability necessitates self-reflection and fuels personal growth.
January + February: Discouraged
Toward the close 2024, I was finalizing a manuscript culminating several years of independent research work. The manuscript is a major milestone in the path to completing my PhD, and I was excited for things to come together.
As is typical in academic settings, there were some setbacks throughout January and February 2025 prior to submitting the manuscript for publication. Since my sole focus outside of work was this manuscript, I felt discouraged while navigating the challenges prior to submitting for publication.
Nearing the end of my PhD, it is a struggle to not feel significant burnout. In hindsight these setbacks were minuscule, but they felt like tremendous battles at the time.
March : Renewal
Leading up to March, I decided to practice a bit of self-care and planned a getaway road trip to Idaho and Utah. At that time, I had spent over a year hunkered down at home without seeing family or friends, so being in their presence rejuvenated my soul.
I spent two weeks in Idaho with my best friend catching up, snowmobiling, and attending family and church functions while working remotely. During my time in Idaho, I made a renewed commitment to bring church back into my life after many years of on-and-off attendance.
After my time in Idaho, I made my way down to Utah to spend another week with extended family basking in the gorgeous mountain views and dry air! The self-care trip ended with a beautiful drive through Colorado back to Nebraska, my favorite route home from Utah.
Mid March, my manuscript was conditionally accepted and entered into the peer review phase of publication process. While manuscript revisions are still to come, this marked and important step.
Needless to say, March was a month of renewal, bringing about many positive changes in my life!
April + May : Hope
April and May brought about immense hope in my daily life, motivating me more than ever to become the best version of myself each and every day!
Several big life events occurred, setting up a future foundation and marking permanent, healthy changes in my life. New friendships were established and existing relationships were significantly strengthened, both of which had been lacking for as long as I can remember.
While some of the positive energy and influence was temporary, the resulting lessons learned and healthy habits were fundamental to my personal growth and happiness!
