As I write this last newsletter of 2024, I laugh to myself, thinking about “Legally Blonde” and the stunned Harvard professors asking each other, Do you think she just woke up one morning and said, “I think I’ll go to law school today?” Their disbelief captures exactly how some might view my own journey – did she just wake up one day and decide to be a writer?

And yes, I did.

Like Elle Woods, who discovered her true calling went far beyond chasing a relationship, my sudden decision to write opened doors I never knew existed. What started as a simple “yes” to my inner voice led me to discover parts of myself I hadn’t yet met: a sense of confidence, trust in my unique perspective, and most surprisingly, the strength that comes from embracing vulnerability. Writing has been an emotional masterclass I never knew I signed up for – a delicate dance of managing my inner world and sharing my deepest thoughts.

Through this journey, I’ve learned to discern between anxiety and intuition – the difference between those subtle, quiet thoughts of wisdom from the heart and the anxious “rebellious teenage” thoughts that scream for attention. Like a parent learning to stay calm during a teenager’s outburst, I’ve learned as an overthinker to listen more carefully to that quiet voice of intuition, even when anxiety tries to shout over it.

Stephen King once said that to be a great writer, you need “the ability to remember the story of every scar.” This year has been about examining those scars and finding meaning in them. Because before we can teach, we need to learn – learn from our experiences, emotions, challenges, and all the moments that shape us. The best writers are unafraid to look at their scars, to confront them, and most important, to discover meaning in them.

Before we close this year, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you. Your heartfelt comments of encouragement, thoughtful insights, and constructive critiques have been beautiful gifts in my journey as a writer. Every minute you’ve spent reading my words and sharing your perspectives has touched me.

Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited to keep writing, to keep listening to that quiet voice of intuition, and to share more stories that connect us. May your holidays be filled with joy, reflection, and the courage to say “yes” to your own quiet dreams.

….. until next time many many sweet blessings.