Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
As I sit here, looking at this photo of me cozy on the couch, flanked by Alec and Wiggles, all of us a little calmer, a little softer, I can’t help but reflect on everything 2025 brought into my life.
This year wasn’t simple. It wasn’t neat. It wasn’t always joyful. But it was real.
Highs
2025 gave me moments I’ll never forget.
It gave me personal, creative, and spiritual growth. I leaned deeper into my voice, my storytelling, and the parts of myself I once kept quiet. Sabby’s Sojourns continued to evolve, expanding beyond food and travel into life, healing, and honesty. Sharing my story became less about perfection and more about connection.
There were new opportunities, creative shoots, meaningful conversations, and small wins that reminded me I am capable even on days I doubted myself. I learned to celebrate progress rather than wait for an imaginary finish line.
And then there was home.
Quiet nights. Soft laughter. Morning routines with two little shadows following me from room to room. Alec and Wiggles were my constants, my joy, my comfort, my reminder that love doesn’t have to be complicated to be profound.
In this photo, we’re all wearing our Comfrt sweaters, soft, cozy, and grounding in the best way. It feels fitting because comfort became something I learned to prioritize this year. Not just in what I wear, but in the peace I allow, the boundaries I protect, and the life I’m intentionally building. (This post contains an affiliate link. If you choose to shop through it, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
Lows
But 2025 also asked a lot of me.
There were days heavy with grief, grief for what was lost, what never was, and what I had to release to survive. Healing isn’t linear, and this year made sure I understood that deeply. Some days felt empowering; others felt like taking ten steps backward.
I wrestled with fear, exhaustion, and the temptation to shrink myself for the comfort of others. I learned that boundaries can feel lonely at first, and that choosing yourself sometimes costs relationships you thought were permanent.
This year reminded me that strength isn’t loud. Sometimes it looks like rest. Sometimes it looks like tears. Sometimes it seems like getting up anyway.
Lessons
If 2025 taught me anything, it’s this:
Healing takes time, and that’s okay.
You don’t have to have everything figured out to move forward.
Peace is worth protecting, even when it’s misunderstood.
Love should bring peace, not confusion, and I am still learning what that looks like in real time.
I learned to give myself grace. To stop apologizing for evolving. To trust that God is still writing the story, even when I don’t understand the chapter.
Looking Ahead 2026
As we step into a new year, I’m not wishing for perfection.
I’m wishing for peace.
For alignment.
For continued growth.
For joy that feels rooted instead of rushed.
This photo isn’t just a Christmas card; it’s a snapshot of resilience. A reminder that even after the hardest seasons, softness can return.
From my little family to yours, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and cheers to whatever beautiful, messy, meaningful moments await us next.
— Sabrina
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
Lord, thank You for carrying me through every high and low of this year. Thank You for the lessons I didn’t ask for but needed, and for the strength You provided on days I felt empty. As I step into a new season, help me release what no longer serves me and trust You with what’s ahead. Fill my heart with peace, guide my steps with wisdom, and remind me that I am never walking alone. Amen.
