Journey to 43: Grace for G.R.O.W.T.H.

This year has pushed, pulled, tangled, and stretched me in ways I didn’t even know were possible.

It demanded physical, mental, and emotional grit I didn’t even know I had—and I thought I was one pretty tough chick. So this birthday called for a moment of pause, recovery, and reflection.

So, as I sit, exhausted, I realize this feels different. I’m tired, but this isn’t burnout. I feel completely empty, but it’s not from aimless striving, running with no finish line in sight, or the empty cup that comes from people-pleasing or the inability to say no. This emptiness feels sacred—like something has been pulled out of me. I had vivid descriptions of what I was feeling, but no language to connect with the definitions.

Sometimes, you’ll never see how you’ve grown, what you’ve become, or what you’ve produced until you pause and reflect. So I’ve been quiet. I took a step back. I sifted through all the noise, and I made a list—sort of a year-end inventory review. Then it all began to make sense.

This past year felt like I was stuck in a video game with one difficult level to conquer after another. I had to acquire new skills, earn enough coins to purchase new armor and weapons, and even learn new fighting combinations to beat whatever was waiting for me at the next level. And it birthed something beautiful in me. I realized what I’m feeling right now is the cost of growth.

Becoming a fruit-bearing tree requires an immense amount of energy. So yes, I’m tired—but I’m also so proud of what I’ve been chosen, gifted, and graced to produce.

I look back over the year in awe, full of wonder, completely amazed by what I’ve had to become to accomplish each item listed on my annual reflection list—remembering the moments when I wanted to quit, now grateful that I just kept taking steps as I honor this list of conquests.

And the biggest win of the year? Everything on this list—I did it while being fully present for my husband and children, remaining true to myself, and staying in alignment with my core values. I have no regrets.

I was able to do this because I gave only my best yes—and I gave myself the grace, space, and room required for this year of G.R.O.W.T.H.

With Love,

Gwen

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May 2024 – 2025 Reflections

Relaunched my podcast, With Love, Gwen

I learned to navigate the senior year of high school, college applications, and graduation

I moved my first baby into college

Served faithfully on the church staff and in the community

Began my final year of graduate school, including practicum (8 hours a week of on-site counseling supervision in addition to classes and a 40-hour standard workweek)

Inducted into Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society

Inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society

Accepted a speaking opportunity and overcame a major fear of public speaking

Committed to weekly mental health counseling

Completed an 8-week Breaking Beliefs Intensive with Advanced Grief Recovery Trainer/Coach Sandi Derby

Launched the “In My Grace Era” Movement, encouraging hundreds of women to give themselves grace

Committed to marriage counseling

Created and released the Ultimate Holiday Survival Toolkit

Encouraged women to begin the new year with trust and confidence

Celebrated 20 years of marriage

Supported my second baby as he learned to drive

Rebranded my podcast, With Love, Gwen

Began working on my next book

Awarded the 2025 Governor’s Institute Scholarship

Participated in the City Church of Goldsboro Consecration Service

Spoke as a featured guest for Omicron Delta Kappa

Passed the National Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE)

Guest speaker at Phenomenal U | Girl Scouts NC Coastal Pines

Supported my baby as he went to his first prom

Supported my baby on his first time traveling with his team to Texas alone

Supported my baby on her first main stage production at UNCG

I developed a toolkit to equip you with all the tools you need to survive your season of G.R.O.W.T.H. (coming soon | stay tuned)

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