I’ve been thinking about doing an end of year post, just hadn’t sat down yet to start writing. But then an old friend from high school asked for my blog link and I started explaining how this blog goes from one spectrum of opinions to the other. Honestly you can read back and see how I’ve changed, based on the world around me, things I’ve learned and unlearned. Sometimes I wonder if I should scrap all of this and start over. But then I think, that’s not very authentic. And whether it’s the most popular way to be, I prefer to be authentic. I’m human, I change my mind, I learn and grow and evolve. we all should. So if you come here you’re going to get me, all the versions.
So here we are, man what a year. And what a fast year. I believe time is moving faster, truly. Call that a conspiracy of some sorts but I do. We welcomed our 5th granddaughter this year, and it seems crazy to think that was in February. We also lost my nephew this year, also crazy to think that was in June. Each month starts with the feeling of wow it’s already the 1st and then it’s like we blink and do it all over again. Very Groundhog Day around here!
We’ve seen a lot of losses in our world in 2025 as well. Some very public ones that get tons of media attention. Even in the last week that has been the case. I’m not trying to be cold but I do get a little bothered by the big fanfare that surrounds losses that “make the news”. Here’s the thing ya’ll, people die every day. I’m not saying that like we shouldn’t care. I’m saying it like we should. Every single day. We should care about the elderly grandparent that passed from old age, we should care about the young child who passed from illness, and all of the ones in between. We should care about the ones who were in car accidents, the ones who were murdered and the ones who chose to leave us. Because we lose people in this world every single day, so if we want to be sad, concerned and pray about losses let’s do it daily for those we know an for those that someone else knows.
I’m ending this year even more disconnected from our healthcare system than when the year started. I didn’t think that was possible but I break free a little bit more each day. I’m sorry but it’s not to keep you healthy, it’s to keep you sick, and to keep you coming back. I can’t unsee the things I’ve seen or unlearn all the things I’ve learned. I’ve gained so much knowledge in the last few years and I don’t think I can ever go back to trusting in the system.
I would say I started this year as a Republican, definitely don’t think I’m ending as one. Now before you get alarmed I didn’t switch parties, no way, no how. But again I’m even more awake so I’m not on that fully red bandwagon anymore either. Because that’s what it is. If you think they are better well I’m sorry, they got their issues too sis! I’m more about freedom and to me less government is freedom. So I don’t believe the government is going to save me or fix my problems, or anyone’s problems, no matter what party is in control. Besides, let’s be honest, God’s the one really in control anyway.
Isn’t it funny though how easily we say that but then we try to control everything? I know I’m guilty. Or we say that but yet we fully believe that the next election will fix things. Or that losing a martyr for Christianity will make waves and fulfill some prophecy. Man, I felt some kind of way in September. But after my emotions cooled and I put my thinking cap back on, wow. I bet there is a lot of you out there picking sides with Candace and Erika. Go ahead. But I hate to tell you that is all as much of a stage as the death of Charlie was.
I did a post earlier in the year about my Function Health labs. I had my follow ups in November, yeah nothing improved. That’s what happens when you know but don’t do. I definitely have to get that in check for 2026. I finally got my husband on board as well so we got a true picture of what he needs to work on. I had a six month follow up thermography in October, that was an improvement I’m proud to say. I’ve not learned one thing that has yet to change my mind when it comes to breast health. I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing and I fully believe that this path is much better than what “they” say you should do.
I’ve learned so many new recipes this year, canned so many new things, I’m quite proud of all of that. My daughter has too which is great because we can bounce ideas off of each other as well as successes and failures. I’m excited to continue trying new recipes throughout the winter to fill the larder with much more variety. Of course as soon as summer rolls around I’m sure I’ll be sick of canning again if the cucumbers grow the way they did in 2025. We’ve also been learning more about prepping in other areas than food. We long to be more self sufficient and are content for now slowly adding in new things to our life.
I guess that’s as good a summary for 2025 as I can do. It’s a lot of ramblings I know but it is what it is. If you are looking for a perfectly curated editorial this isn’t the place. But if you just like to hear real life then I’m your girl. I got back on social media by the way though I try to not post as often or scroll. Find me there, or here, maybe in January or maybe in a few months. Either way you’ll get the version of me that I’ve grown into, and I hope you’re continuing to grow too. Merry Christmas, be thankful for all of your 2025 blessings!
~Carla
Arise and Glow 