If you’re reading this on December 25th, you’re probably in that strange in-between.
The year is almost done, but not fully done.
You’ve slowed down, but your mind hasn’t.
You’re around people, but part of you is still replaying the year in the background.
And this morning, I found myself thinking about one simple thing.
I didn’t do this year alone. Not really.
Even the parts that felt lonely were still held by someone.
A message that arrived at the right time.
A call where I could finally exhale.
A friend who didn’t ask for the polished version of me.
Someone who stayed consistent when I felt I was not.
The people worth thanking aren’t always the obvious ones
Sometimes it’s the person who answered one call that changed your week.
Or the one who checked in when you went quiet.
Or the one who reminded you who you are when you forgot.
Sometimes it’s not even a “supporter.”
It’s a challenger. The person who triggered you, tested you, or disappointed you… and accidentally helped you grow up.
Your year is always made up of people.
The rock, when the ground underneath moved completely.
The cheerleader, who reminded me why my work matters.
The partner in big dreams, who expanded my imagination.
The friend who turned an ordinary night into a memory.
The one who loved from far away, but never felt far.
The person who held space when I couldn’t hold myself.
The one who brought laughter back into my system when life got too serious.
And honestly, I’m grateful for the version of me who kept showing up too. Not perfectly. Just consistently.