What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year?

I saw this prompt, and my plan was to highlight all the positive things that happened this year, before year’s end. I have a massive backup on Google Photos of everything that happened (I take a LOT of photos), and a I have a private journal I write in frequently to keep track of how I’m processing everything. I just went through my whole year, and it wasn’t a great one at all. So even though I’m citing this prompt, I’m going to list the “highlights” and do my best to find the silver lining in what I can.

• The US political landscape has been an absolute damn nightmare, and to be honest that dominated a LOT of my mind space throughout the year. It has gotten more and more outrageous, and it doesn’t look like that’s going to slow down or stop any time soon. No silver lining there at all.
• My ex and I completed our bankruptcy. So I have all my debt wiped away, but that also means my credit is in terrible shape. It was necessary given the circumstances. The best part: I have a clean slate. It will take some time, but my credit will improve now, and has already started.
• Felix started having seizures early in the year. That was the most terrifying thing I’ve ever experienced as a parent. The upside is that I found a great neurologist to work with Felix and manage seizures and medications, and for that I’m extremely grateful. In fact I’m grateful for all of Felix’s medical team. Therapists, pediatrician, specialists… they’re all fantastic!

• Our summer was unfortunately uneventful due to the severe osteoarthritis in my right hip. I spent half the year attending medical appointments and consulting with different doctors to find just the right medical team to get that hip replaced. That will take place in early 2026. So this should be the last year I have such an extreme limit on my mobility. It was a huge detriment to my mental health, social life, and left me nearly entirely unable to work or earn money on my own. But the plus side to all of it is that once I recovery from my hip replacement surgery, I will never take my mobility for granted again, and Felix and I can get out and do all the fun activities in the months and years to come.

• I got a partial hysterectomy in July. Huge positive for me! No more uterus or tubes, no more pain, never another risk of pregnancy. Four kids is plenty. All good there!
• My now ex-husband and I finalized our divorce, after over 4 years of unhappiness. While I struggled with the permanent break for a time, it was definitely a positive for Felix, and for my mental health. Our off-and-on relationship had become extremely toxic. I’m enjoying my freedom now, and have adjusted well. And our co-parenting is smooth for the most-part.
• I reconnected with an old flame, and we have been spending time together and enjoying each other’s company. I’m not anything like I used to be when it comes to rushing into seriousness. It feels good to take our time without the youthful rush and hurry, without the possessiveness and jealousy. Just relaxed, enjoyable time together for the fun of it.

• I finally feel comfortable enough with myself and my life to restart this blog. My life was pretty tumultuous for a while, and I went into hide-mode because I didn’t want to share. But now I’m back. I don’t have a big following, no fans, and I’m okay with that. I built this website and blog space for myself. It brings me joy, even if I’m the only one who ever looks at it or reads it.

Not a very eventful year overall due to my physical limitations, but there were glimmers of good through the bad. I expect once my surgery is done and I have recovered, then 2026 should be more eventful and enjoyable for me and my family. I can’t wait to be able to walk comfortably again and be more active!