“Sometimes the best trail leads you away from what you thought you wanted and toward what you truly need. Trust the ride, even when the path feels uncertain—it’s leading you to freedom.” -Yvette Riddle

Celebrating Endings and New Beginnings

Today is Dec 6, 2024, and I AM CELEBRATING something incredible!

I have finished my “Year of Firsts” and excited for what’s next!

ONE YEAR ago today, my Ex-boyfriend picked up his belongings from me.

I was sleep-deprived; my nervous system was fried.

I had swallowed my pride, and felt embarrassment when I realized I needed help. I allowed myself to feel all that while purposely selecting and asking a friend to be with me when he came to get his things.

It was finally the end of a toxic relationship.

It was the end of enduring someone else’s alcohol abuse.

It was also the end of living in the web of lies he spun.

Most importantly—the end of me believing the biggest lie of all: that if I could just do this, be that, or change something about myself, the relationship would work.

That chapter is closed.

Three Months to Freedom

It took me three months to break the habits of being in that relationship. Three months to stop reacting to his texts, to resist the urge to reach out—whether because I missed him, loved him, or simply wanted closure.

Three short months of showing up for myself.

That work launched me into what I call my "Year of Firsts"—you know, the first time doing everything we once did together, but now on my own or with new people. The first holidays, birthdays, traditions, seasons. At first, it was every minute of every hour. Then it was days, then weeks, then months.

Each “first” followed the same process: remembering, feeling the emotion, letting it go, and moving forward with what I truly want.

And here I am, one year later, at the END of my Year of Firsts.

A Bobber Held Down No More

What is so fun now, is that I feel like a fishing bobber that’s finally broken free from the pull of a big @ss fish I didn’t want. I’m buoyant, floating, and free to see what I can do next!

All the tools, the coaching, the awareness—I’m applying them to every area of my life now.

Boundaries, self-love, emotional processing—they aren’t just lessons; they’re my superpowers.

The Power of Boundaries

Boundaries changed everything. They might sound tough, but let me tell you: learning to say no and protect my peace was one of the bravest things I’ve ever done.

And boundaries mean the relationship as it stands changes drastically, or ends as it did in my case. They also transformed my relationship with myself.

While I’ve spent decades doing inner work, this relationship and past year was the breakthrough I needed to clean up old pain and break generational patterns.

It wasn’t easy, and I know it wasn’t easy for my friends to watch. They loved and cared for me unconditionally through it. I self-coached and I got coaching.

I was often reminded by God that I wasn’t alone. That kindness and love are everywhere if you’re open to receiving it. To be able to recognize that, and receive that, is a blessing.

Small Moments, Big Growth

This year wasn’t just about surviving—it was about thriving.

• My friend who was with me when the ex came to get his things knitted a blanket for me. I’ve wrapped myself in that love many nights!

• I picked up a guitar (thanks to a generous neighbor!). Learning to play has been a lifelong dream. I still have no idea what I’m doing, but I’m on my way!

• I rode my horse more than ever before. Horse, dog and I camped several times this summer and fall. I soaked up the joy of those moments and being present in nature.

• I got to know my neighbors better, falling in love with the vibrant community around me.

• I started baking artisan bread—it’s so easy, comforting, and so fun—I even sing to the yeast. Yes, you read that right!

Courage to Speak Up

The biggest surprise? I found the courage to advocate for my community. This year, I spoke up publicly at city meetings – not just once but twice! A year ago, I wouldn’t have dreamed of doing that.

What’s Next?

This journey isn’t over. I’ve shed so much—layers of pain, shame, and limiting beliefs—and I’m ready to see I can do next.

Healthy relationships, joyful moments, and new adventures await. Whether it’s humans, horses, dogs, or bread, I’m here for it all. (Speaking of bread, I just bought a flour mill, so watch out, world—artisan bread game, leveled up!)

If you’re in the thick of your own "Year of Firsts" or wondering if you’ll ever feel free again, hear this:

You can. You will. And when you look back, you’ll see how far you’ve come and realize just how much you’ve grown.

If you want to do this as fast as possible, follow me. I’m sharing it all.  

Let’s celebrate the messy, beautiful process of starting over! Because every ending is the beginning of something new. 🎉

What’s your "Year of Firsts" story?

Share it below—I’d love to celebrate with you!