Motherhood has a way of inviting unnecessary, unwarranted, and unsolicited commentary. Everyone has an opinion. Everyone has advice. And for a while, I tried to meet that noise with explanations, guilt, and apologies—for choices that were never up for debate in the first place.

I’m done with that now.

This is a list of the things I refuse to apologize for as a mother. From boundaries and routines to softness, emotional honesty, and instinct. Because raising my daughter doesn’t require a consensus—it requires trust.

As I reflected on the highs and lows of this year, I realized that not only do I have things to leave behind — but so do all of us. From outdated expectations to harmful systems to habits we outgrew long ago, this is the collective vibe cleanse we all deserve before stepping into 2026.

2025 gave me wins, lessons, and a whole lot of clarity about what I’m no longer entertaining. This year showed me the habits, expectations, and mindsets that drain more than they give — and I’m not carrying any of them into 2026. I’m choosing ease, alignment, and peace. Here are the 25 things I’m releasing before the new year.

A warm, honest reflection on the people, moments, and lessons that shaped my year. From motherhood and love to chosen family, creativity, and quiet joy, here’s what I’m truly thankful for in this season of gratitude.

In yoga teacher training, I’m learning that support isn’t just something we offer—it’s something we must learn to receive. Asking for help is becoming one of my deepest healing practices.

I walked into yoga teacher training expecting alignment, cues, and confidence. Instead, it showed me how to move through life with more trust — less rushing, less controlling, and a whole lot more breathing. This is the story of what I learned on the mat, and what’s still unfolding off of it.

After all these years and all these accomplishments, I realized there’s still one thing I’m learning—trust. Not in someone else, but in myself. Confidence says, “You’ve got this.” Trust whispers, “And even if it doesn’t go as planned, you’ll still be okay.” This is a love letter to that lesson.

Lately, I’ve been reminded that obedience isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence. About returning home to the gifts you’ve tucked away for “someday.” I’m in a season of rebuilding momentum, leaning into faith, grace, and alignment. And through it all, I’m realizing that real obedience—spirit-led obedience—will always guide you back to where you’re meant to be.

From public meltdowns to saying “no” like it’s their full-time job, toddlers are gonna toddler. And honestly? I’m not sorry about it. Here are 10 toddler behaviors I refuse to apologize for.

Teaching Sweet Pea new things and watching her learn and grow is an ultimate joy, but she’s not the only one learning. In the 11 months she’s been on the Earth, she has managed to teach me some things too.

This Mother’s Day, I thought I wanted to sit down and do nothing. But the more I thought about it, the more I looked forward to all the things I do everyday.

My Sweet Pea has grown by leaps and bounds since she’s been on this Earth. But who knew that over the past ten months I, too, would grow just as much.