And though I have disappeared from this space for quite sometime, nothing feels new to me. In fact, writing this out right now, it almost feels like I am coming home – to a safe place of sorts; to where it all began.

First and foremost, I would like to apologize for abruptly disappearing, for being inconsistent, and practically abandoning this space for most of last year. Truth be told, I got overwhelmed by a project I was working on.

Did I stop writing? Absolutely not. In fact, it was all the writing I was doing outside this space that kept me away. Writing that had to be structured, less free form, more formal, and a whole different style and genre than what I was used to. I stepped out of my comfort zone, and struggled at first, but when I got the rhythm, I got going. Before I knew it, a whole published book, and three book launches later, we were down to the last few days of 2025. And while the thought of writing something for the column always loomed and lurked about, I somehow did not have the courage to jot my thoughts down. Why? I really do not know. Part of me felt that I was away for too long, and did not know if I still had a space to return to. Another part of me just felt writer’s fatigue – fried, and exhausted – the words would not add up, and were completely incoherent and insensible. The list of excuses can go on, but the truth is, it is really just all boils down to prioritizing.

And that is what I intend to make this year all about. Prioritizing. Knowing, and focusing on, and on who truly matter. To be intentional, and purposeful, in all that I choose to do, and channel my efforts towards. Time is precious, and now, more than ever, I need to find the meaning in my moments, and the value in how they were spent. Sometimes, the mundane ends up the most substantial because it is in those blank spaces that you find your answers and realizations. I ask for discernment from the Holy Spirit, and that it may continue to guide me in my choices, and decision making. I pray for my faith to stay, and stand strong. I hope that this year be a most memorable one in all the best ways possible.

At 36 years old, I have come to realize that while resolutions have become simultaneous with the new year, we do not need a new year to start working toward our goals, and self-betterment. Any time is as good as now. Instead, I have chosen to pray for the strength and wisdom to surrender to my faith, and to God’s greater plan; to allow it to take its course according to His wishes, because after all, that is the one that will always prevail. That is not to say that I do not plan my day to day. I do. Because if I did not, the Virgo in me will revolt, and spontaneity may just drive me the other way. In as much as I need to fully learn to let go and let God, reality is I will not be able to cease control one hundred percent. And I never will. Rather, I pray for the mindset to be flexible, to be able to accept if things do not go as planned – to see it as God’s plan, because with that mindset, we pave our own path toward positivity, see outcomes with greatness, and silver linings.

Here’s to a bigger, bolder and brighter 2026 for us all. See you more often. Again.