The start of 2025 has been much heavier than I expected. After navigating a complicated and exhausting year in 2024—one filled with court appearances, law enforcement involvement, and a social media smear campaign driven by one of the most narcissistic individuals I’ve ever encountered—I had high hopes for a fresh start. I wanted to leave it all behind. I wanted to move forward, unburdened by toxicity and chaos.

But life doesn’t always work that way. Some battles follow you into the next season, demanding to be handled before true freedom can be found. Instead of easing into the new year, I found myself dealing with escalating situations that began impacting both my mental and physical health. And on top of that, I have been enduring a toxic and abusive workplace environment—one that has drained me on a level I can no longer tolerate.

I knew I had to take a step back. I had to cocoon myself—to retreat, reflect, heal, and strategize. Sometimes, when life becomes overwhelming, the best thing we can do is pause. Not as a sign of weakness, but as an intentional act of self-preservation. If I have learned anything through my healing journey, it is this: you cannot pour from an empty cup.

I have been quieter than usual professionally this year, but that silence has been intentional. I have spent this time formulating a plan—one that will allow me to move forward with clarity and strength. I now have legal counsel in place to handle these situations in the background, and I am ready for true resolution.

As part of my commitment to prioritizing my health, I will be heading back to Minnesota in early March for another round of neuro rehab. Between the work-related concussion I suffered and the toxic environments I have allowed myself to be exposed to repeatedly, my body has been through enough. It is time to recalibrate, to heal fully, and to reclaim my strength. And I am adamant that this will be my last visit.

For those of you who are dealing with toxic people, I want to remind you of something important: You matter. Your health matters. Your peace matters. It is not selfish to step back. It is not weak to protect your energy. The most powerful thing you can do is recognize when enough is enough—and take action to reclaim your life.

I am looking forward to getting my blog going again, re-engaging on social media, and continuing to share my journey. But I will be doing it from a place of strength, not depletion. This year, I am choosing me. Because I cannot help others if I am not whole myself.

Healing is a choice. And I am choosing it every single day. 💛