I don’t remember the last time my fingers hit these keys for anything other than work. The last time passion flowed through my fingers.

This year has been filled with happiness. It’s also been filled with hurt. Lots and lots of hurt.

But starting with the happiness.

My husband and I rescued three kittens near our apartment dumpster. Now we have five fur babies causing a world of chaos, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. We have also been blessed with buying our first house. With five kitties and the two of us, it was time for an upgrade.

On to personal victories…

I finished the first draft of my first novel. This has been a project that I’ve poured my heart and soul into, and all I want is to improve it and get it out into the world. As I read through my rejected queries, I’m still hopeful that I’m going to find an agent soon.

I’ve also gone back to church, which has been the highlight of my year.

As I remain grateful for all of these wonderful moments, it’s in the quiet times that I reflect on the hurt I’ve felt this year.

My (now ex) best friend ghosted me. With no reason at all.

It’s hard to understand why something like that happens when there’s no closure. It’s also hard not to reflect on it every moment of the day.

I’ve also been ostracized by half of my family.

Why?

Because I didn’t want to mix family and business.

Now, I’m being lied to, probably being lied about, and there’s nothing I can do about it.

I don’t have some big lesson to end this with. I’m still figuring it out.

I just know that despite everything, I’m still here. Still writing. Still hoping. Still trying.

And maybe that’s enough for now.