2025 Wrapped

In the spirit of reflection and setting intentions for 2026, I thought it would be fun to do my own version of “Spotify Wrapped” except with the highlights of my year. First of all, I know it’s a privilege to live the life I do, in recovery from my eating disorder, in freedom, and to have resources and access to the things I enjoy all around me. 

This blog is a little longer and has lots of pictures. 

January

Kicked off 2025 with so much connection. I was part of a webinar with Reason’s on Setting Intentions for the New Year, got plenty of ski days in, cheered at Denver Gymnastics meets, and spent time networking with local eating disorder professionals in Denver. 

February

More connecting (a theme this year). The Eating Disorder Foundation’s “Diet Culture Roast” was hilarious and there was plenty of humor around our silly world immersed in diet culture. And of course, I sent out my annual Valentine’s Day cards—one of my favorite traditions! 

March

What can I say…more skiing with friends and a great annual meeting with my HR Team at E Source. 

April

This was a very busy and fun month. I started in Nashville visiting my brother and his family, then road-tripped with my sister, the kids, and my mom to Gatlinburg. We hiked, went to the Island, a pirate show, and we can’t forget Dollywood! This was another month of networking. I’m so lucky to call my colleagues friends and we celebrated our dear friend Mandi’s birthday! 

May

It was a “slower” month personally, but a huge one professionally. I made the decision to jump 100% into the mental health field. Many of you may not know, but for almost the last 20 years, I’ve had a full time career in Human Resources. The past 8.5 of those had been with a company called E Source. Dr. Kelli Henderson offered me a full-time role at Harvest Therapeutic Services, and I couldn’t pass it up. The transition brought big emotions: grief, loss, excitement, fear, adventure…all of it. I cried, I celebrated, I leaned on my friends, and I spent time in nature. Denver also said goodbye to Dr. Erin Knopf as she moved out of state—bittersweet for sure. And of course, I continued being Jake & Jubilee’s hype girl as they played around town. 

June

The big job change happened on June 10th. Before leaving E Source, about 14 of my dear colleagues wished me well at a farewell dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Busaba. My direct report, Rocio flew in from Texas to surprise me. I was in shock! Grace came for a visit. I hit the networking trail hard by visiting Kelly Kee at Guidelight and finally meeting Julie Holland in person! I also bought a zoo membership. My Saturday mornings of solitude began this month with a lap around the zoo before it opened to the public to be still, reflect, listen to music, or a podcast. 

And last but not least, the month ended with Jake & Jubilee selling out Dazzle for their first show there! 

July

July brought some mental health challenges as the weight of the career transition settled in. Nothing “wrong”—just the reality of a big life shift. I was grateful to already know HTS and Kelli, which gave me a sense of safety, grounding, and “home”. 

Despite the challenges, I still found joy: my annual solo hike on Vail Pass, camping at Rifle Gap with Catherine (the water was unbelievably warm and TEAL), and a trip to Snow Mountain Ranch with my sister, the kids, and Kate. Summer tubing was the highlight. And yes, I slipped in a picture of my office, aka “The Blue Room”. 

August

This month brought on a physical health challenge. Over the course of the summer, I was getting more and more fatigued. During a hike with friends (another one I do each year), I had to turn around because something felt off in my body. I decided to make an appointment with my PCP. My labs showed a drop in an issue I had been struggling with since last year. Now, no need to worry, I just don’t want to share my personal medical history on the internet. It’s nothing too crazy. I’m totally fine! It did impact my quality of life for over a year which is why it is notable. 

The month continued with my dear friends from YoungLife reconnecting at one of our former YL kid’s weddings, Emily. Truly beautiful and amazing! I continued connecting with friends as I prepared for my 3rd Annual Say Cheese & Charcuterie Event. 

What can I say!? It was absolutely incredible!  I truly have a heart for creating spaces for connection and community. This event brings anyone who works in the mental health field together for a day of networking, community, and free headshots from the one and only Erin Cox from ELC Photography. Christina LeeAnn Creative displayed her charcuterie board art! My mom came and joined the fun this year and she was “so proud”. And yes–Jake & Jubilee performed. 

September

Lots of time with my nieces and nephew. I booked a last-minute trip home, and we went to the fair and were SUPER SILLY together. I also received treatment for my health issue and started feeling like myself again within weeks. More art nights with Pastor Vincent Lewis and more time with friends.

October

My birthday month. I got to see my fave artist of all time, Jennifer Knapp, and brought friends along to celebrate. I’ve loved her music since I was 17. I also celebrated at one of my favorite restaurants with Dr. Tamara Pryor and Kate. The month wrapped with more networking and The Eating Disorder Foundation’s annual fundraiser.

November

A slower month—exactly what I needed. I still connected with friends and went to yet another Jake & Jubilee concert. HTS and Living in the Hot Pink were sponsors, so I set up resources at the entrance. And I have to note: the sunset views from HTS on late nights are THE BEST! 

December

The highlight was definitely a Christmas trip to Mexico with my bestie Grace. But before that, I presented at Denver Seminary with Dr. Pryor, attended the Eating Recovery Center’s conference, had another art day with Pastor Lewis and his fabulous wife Dianne, met up with Dr. G for a quick chat and book signing, and enjoyed Zoo Lights with friends! 

Wrapped

As I look back on the year, I’m not surprised that it entailed mainly connection. I am a big believer that humans are created for relationships, the opposite of the eating disorder is connection, and shame can be wiped out with connection. And a close second highlight? All the moments I got to support Jake & Jubilee and hear their incredible voices throughout the year.

Intentions

This year, I want to…

Pace myself more and be less stressed. I was 3/3 being sick or coming home sick from vacations. I believe once I relax and de-stress my immune system is vulnerable and I get sick. 

Continue to connect with my friends and colleagues. Community and connection are a top value and a time to be present with each person. 

Write more handwritten notes. This is a form of self-care for me. I also love the joy it brings to others. 

Keep my house tidy. Not in a perfectionistic way—just in a way that supports calm, clarity, and breathing room.

Dive deeper into my faith. I want to stay curious, grounded, and connected to what anchors me.

Cook more. When I give myself the time, meal prepping and trying new recipes is fun! 

Write intentionally. That book will come. 

Learn. Maybe a new certification for helping clients?