As the year draws to a close, it’s natural to reflect on what we’ve experienced—both the moments that brought joy and the ones that left us reeling. For those of us who are grieving, this reflection can feel especially heavy. Loss has a way of overshadowing the year, making it hard to see the progress we’ve made.

But growth often happens in the small moments—the quiet choices we make each day to keep going. It might not always feel like progress, but it’s there. Today, I want to encourage you to pause, take a deep breath, and look back on your year. Not through the lens of what you lost or didn’t accomplish, but through the small wins and the resilience you’ve shown, even when it felt like too much.

Recognizing Growth Amidst Grief

Personal growth doesn’t always look like big milestones; it’s in the minutiae of living. If you’re grieving, personal growth might feel more like survival—getting out of bed when the weight of loss feels unbearable or managing to smile at a memory that once only brought tears. These moments may seem insignificant, but they’re not. Each one reflects the strength you’ve built.

Adapting to a New Normal: I don’t like that term, but I can’t find another one that’s clear. Maybe you’ve found small ways to adjust to life without someone you loved—a new morning routine, a hobby that brings you solace, or even just sitting with your feelings without judgment. These adjustments are meaningful. They’re the foundation of your healing.

Rediscovering Joy: Perhaps you allowed yourself moments of joy this year, even amidst the sorrow. It’s not a betrayal of your loss. Joy doesn’t erase grief, but it can coexist with it. Did you laugh at a friend’s joke? Find comfort in a book or a walk outdoors? Did it feel weird? These are signs you’re learning to carry both the weight of loss and the lightness of living.

Building Inner Strength: Grief tests us in ways we never expected, revealing strengths we didn’t know we had. Did you advocate for yourself this year? Set boundaries to protect your peace? These are signs of growth worth celebrating.

Finding Meaning in the Journey

Personal growth often feels invisible while it’s happening. It’s only when we take a moment to reflect that we see how far we’ve come. Maybe you started the year feeling lost and overwhelmed, and now you’re finding your footing again. Or perhaps you’re still struggling, but you’ve learned to show yourself grace in ways you couldn’t before.

Here’s what you need to remember: growth doesn’t have to be monumental to be meaningful. Sometimes, it’s found in the smallest victories—like trying something new, reaching out for support, or simply choosing to keep going on the hardest days.

A Practice of Reflection

As we close the year, I invite you to take a moment to reflect on your own journey. Here’s a simple exercise to help you recognize your growth:

Make a List of Wins: I tell my kids all the time to celebrate whatever win they get. Write down three things you accomplished this year, no matter how small they may seem. Did you rebuild a routine? Reach out to someone for help? Allow yourself to grieve without guilt?

Acknowledge Your Strength: We survivors are stronger than we think. Think about a challenge you faced this year and how you overcame it—or are working through it. What does that say about your resilience?

Set an Intention: As you step into the new year, consider how you want to continue your growth. What’s one small, achievable step you can take to nurture yourself? We’ll talk more about that next week.

Conclusion: Celebrating Progress

This year may not have been what you hoped for, but it has shaped you in ways worth honoring. Growth is not always loud or linear, but it is always significant. Every step you’ve taken, no matter how small, is a stride toward healing and self-discovery.

As you reflect on the past year, I hope you find pride in your progress and compassion for the journey that lies ahead. Your strength is in showing up, even when it feels impossible. That alone is worth celebrating.

What are the small wins that made a difference for you this year? I’d love to hear about them. Let’s celebrate our progress together, one small win at a time.