I know it sounds cliché, but I’m ready to close this chapter and move into a fresh year. Instead of dwelling on the difficulties, I want to reflect on lessons learned and the moments of growth that made this year meaningful.
This year taught me a lot. I like to begin each year with an intention, and this year mine was growth. I outgrew a protective cocoon I had built around myself; the walls I relied on had to come down so I could expand. That process brought a lot of resistance—more than I expected—but my yoga practice and therapy have shown me that facing resistance is how we become stronger.
I’m grateful to say I feel like I grew this year, and I couldn’t have done it without the people who shared their love, or even the occasional critic whose push forced me to stretch further.
I signed up for a yoga teacher training that starts next year, and I can hardly contain my excitement. I’ll be sharing the experience step by step.
I continued with therapy even when it was hard. I began thinking it might be a quick fix, but that wasn’t the case. Repeatedly working through painful moments has helped me build a more resilient foundation—something I’m unlikely to have achieved without guidance.
One milestone was singing in front of nearly 30 people while also serving food—fun fact: I nearly passed out. I made two soups, two kinds of muffins, croutons, and bread. Sharing food brings me immense joy, but knowing so many people would taste my dishes made me nervous. A year ago an event like that would likely have triggered a full-blown panic attack. This time I faced the fear with shaky hands and a racing heart, and I did it anyway. That felt like genuine growth.
I’ve been able to share plant-based recipes with more than 10,000 people on Instagram. While follower count was never the goal, it’s inspiring to connect with so many people. My aim is to share delicious vegan recipes and a glimpse into a mindful lifestyle, hoping to encourage others on their journeys.
Opening up and sharing my passions and life with all of you has been a gift—a practice I’m deeply grateful for.
Now I’m setting a new intention: healing. The past few years have felt like being pulled apart at times, and although I experienced growth this year, I didn’t fully focus on healing my body, mind, and soul from the toll of stress and lifestyle choices. It’s ironic because I adopted a vegan lifestyle to be healthier, and I’ve learned that vegan doesn’t automatically mean healthy—many vegan products still aren’t ideal for long-term wellbeing.
My body has been signaling a need for a reboot, particularly through persistent eczema. The conflicting advice online—cut sugar, reduce fat, avoid certain foods—prompted me to experiment and find what works for my body. I’ve decided to eliminate wheat, excess sugars, alcohol, and added oils for a period. Expect cleaner, more whole-food-focused recipes as I test what helps my skin and energy levels. I’ll also do short detoxes occasionally and allow myself mindful indulgences once I feel balanced.
Healing for me isn’t only physical. I’ll pursue a holistic approach—continuing therapy, deepening my yoga practice, and prioritizing a low-stress lifestyle, since stress likely contributes to my eczema. I’ll also work on practicing unconditional love, which is easier said than done but worth striving for. I’ll share how I implement these changes, and next year we’ll go beyond the kitchen—always with delicious food along the way.
I invite you to join me on this healing journey. With so much happening in the world, a bit more love and recovery can go a long way. I look forward to sharing light and receiving yours in return. Wishing you a blessed new year—let’s work toward a healthier, more loving planet together.
One love,
A.J.