As the year comes to an end, I’ve been taking time to slow down, breathe, and look back at everything 2025 brought into my life — the growth, the challenges, the small joys, and the big victories. This year has been a season of showing up for myself in deeper, more intentional ways. It has been a year of rediscovering my voice, nurturing my creativity, strengthening my body, and creating traditions that reflect who I am becoming.
I entered this year wanting stability and connection — and I’m ending it feeling grounded, hopeful, and proud.
Here is a look back at the year through each of the four corners of this blog: health & fitness, reading, gardening, and recipes — the spaces where so much of my growth took root.
💪 Health & Fitness: A Year of Movement and Milestones
This year, I ran more races than I ever have before — and I pushed myself farther than I knew I could go. From the Turkey Trot I ran with my daughter to the Blue and Gray Half Marathon, each finish line taught me something new about my resilience, discipline, and joy.
I set personal records. I found strength in early mornings and in quiet miles. I learned to trust my body again. And perhaps most importantly, I found confidence — the kind that comes from showing up even when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or unsure.
Running became a reflection of my healing: slow, steady, and deeply personal.
📚 Book Club: Choosing Courage, Creativity, and Connection
My book of the month, Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes, could not have been more timely. Reading it reminded me to stretch, to take up space, and to lean into the opportunities that make me feel alive. Her voice pushed me to say “yes” to myself — yes to rest, yes to creativity, yes to courage.
And that energy followed me straight into my writing.
Book Two of my Tidewalker series began taking shape in new and exciting ways. I made progress on Ezra’s internal journey, deepened Grandmother Fatu’s backstory, and built the tension between the two worlds in ways that feel richer and more purposeful.
This was also the year I became more consistent with my blog — saying “yes” to sharing my voice, my journey, and my creativity with others.
🌱 Garden: Lessons from the Soil
My garden was one of my grounding spaces this year. From planting collards that ended up on our Thanksgiving table to experimenting with new vegetables and learning more about what my soil needs, gardening reminded me to slow down, stay patient, and trust the process.
Some plants thrived, some didn’t, and all of it taught me something.
Next year, I’m excited to bring the garden back to life in the spring — with new layouts, new crops, and a renewed appreciation for what grows when you nurture it with intention.
🍽️ Recipes: A Year of Flavor, Culture, and Tradition
Cooking has always been a form of connection for me — to my family, to my culture, and to my creativity. This year, I shared some of my favorite recipes, from sweet potato pie to sweet potato rolls (the only version my youngest gladly accepts!).
Food remains a place where tradition meets innovation in my home — a way to honor my Sierra Leonean roots while creating new memories with my children.
In 2026, I’m planning to share more dishes inspired by Mama Africa, more home-baked favorites, and possibly a cultural cooking series that highlights flavors from across the continent.
✨ Looking Ahead: What’s Coming in 2026
As I step into the new year, I’m carrying a deep sense of clarity about what I want — and what I’m ready to grow into.
Here’s a preview of what’s ahead:
📘 Book Two Release Timeline
I’ll be sharing more concrete updates early in the year, including sneak peeks, character insights, and details on when you can expect the next Tidewalker installment.
🌿 A New Garden Season
I’m already planning my spring planting: herbs, collards, vegetables, and maybe a few new experiments.
🍲 New Recipes + A Cultural Cooking Series
2026 will bring new flavors to the blog — including traditional dishes, West African favorites, and original recipes inspired by my roots.
📝 2026 Blog Themes
Next year, I’ll continue rotating through Health & Fitness, Book Club, Gardening, and Recipes — with a deeper commitment to consistency, reflection, and creativity.
❤️ Personal Goals
Above all, 2026 will be a year of:
- emotional wellness
- rest
- travel
- continued healing
- and choosing courage, both quietly and boldly
Thank You for Being Here
Ending this year with gratitude feels right. Thank you for reading, for showing up, and for taking this journey with me. Whether you’re here for the recipes, the reflections, the stories, or the updates — I’m truly grateful.
Here’s to a year of growth behind us, and a year of intention ahead.
See you in 2026. 🌿✨
Luluisthatgirl 