Q1 Reflection: Fresh Starts & Gentle Surrenders

I’ve been putting off writing a new blog post—mostly because I wasn’t quite sure what to say. I started overthinking, trying to force a polished narrative. But that’s never what Soul & Society was meant to be. This space was always intended to be honest, free, and real. A place for me to share what’s on my heart in hopes that it connects with yours.

Life has felt full lately—sometimes beautifully so, other times overwhelmingly so. And in the fullness, I forgot how much joy writing and creating in this space has brought me. So I’m choosing to return. To be intentional. And to begin with a gentle recap of Q1.

January always carries a certain kind of energy—the sense of renewal, of fresh starts and wide-open possibilities. And for me, this year began just like that. I launched the blog, stepped away from work to reset, and celebrated another trip around the sun. I felt light, excited, and full of anticipation.

But life, as it often does, brought contrast.

My great-grandmother passed away. A stunning 95-year-old soul who lived her life for the Lord. There’s so much I could say about her, but to put it simply, she was a true woman of God. It was a gift and an honor to know her, to love her, and to be loved by her. Her legacy is one I’ll carry with me forever.

At the same time, I was navigating a season of stepping into the unknown. Changes in my career, shifts in relationships, and a deepening understanding of myself—it all felt like uncharted territory. There were moments when things felt shaky, when I wondered if God could still hear me through the noise.

But in that uncertainty, I experienced the beauty of spiritual community. I leaned into my circle, leaned into my church, leaned into God. I found myself growing—not just outwardly, but inwardly. Learning to surrender in ways I never had before. There was a kind of quiet maturation happening within me, a stretch that was equal parts grace and discomfort.

Growth is beautiful. But growth also aches.

Still, as I look back on the past few months, what I feel most is gratitude. I feel grounded. I feel expectant. I feel more sure of who I am and whose I am. More confident in the dreams that live within me. And excited—genuinely excited—for what’s to come.

So here’s to Q1. To fresh starts. To tender endings. To growing pains that lead to purpose. And to returning to the things that bring joy—like writing, creating, taking photos, and putting a little more of myself into the world. Not for anyone else, but simply for me.

Continue with me as I continue to navigate this beautiful, messy, holy journey—peaks, valleys, detours and all. I’m grateful you’re here.

And yes—there will be more wine.