Happy Spring! I hope this letter finds you well and filled with the same sense of renewal and hope that comes with the change of the seasons. As I sit down to write this, reflecting on the past year, I have concluded it was a year nothing short of transformative.

It has been quite a journey since Christmas, one filled with moments of joy, growth, and profound change. I have written and rewritten this letter countless times, attempting to encapsulate the essence of 2023, a year that defies simple summarization.

At the heart of it all was the precious time spent with my mom. She graced Oklahoma with her presence for nearly six months, lending her support as I tackled various home projects and traveled for work. Together, we explored new places, shared laughter over home-cooked meals, and created memories that we will both forever cherish. From hiking the Hobbit Trail in Oregon with my two youngest sisters and experiencing the spectacular Derek Hough’s Symphony of Dance show, the year was brimming with adventures and shared experiences.

Family remained a cornerstone of my year, with visits to and from loved ones near and far. From Colorado to Texas, and even a Thanksgiving trip to Connecticut to spend with my dad, sister, and nephews, the bonds of family grew stronger with each gathering. Dad also drove to Tennessee to spend Christmas in Spring Hill adding an extra layer of togetherness and love to the holiday season.

Of course, I can’t forget to mention my furry companion, Copper, who turned one year old and brought endless laughter into my life. His boundless energy and multifaceted personality have been a constant source of delight. Stormy and Cheeto turned eight; and little Dash – mom’s newest love – is nearly five. All four of them keep things interesting.

Professionally, the past year was marked by significant milestones and learning experiences. From being selected to participate in the OSU/OU Executive Education Partnership and Skillsoft Percipio Learning Platform programs to the exciting moment of throwing the first pitch at an OU Softball game, each opportunity brought new insights and growth. Relinquishing Command in Fort Sill was a bittersweet moment, but one that paved the way for new beginnings.

Speaking of new beginnings, 2024 has ushered in a wave of change and advancement. I am thrilled to share that I have been promoted in both of my careers, taking on the exciting new position of “Manager of Merchandising” at Love’s Corporate Office in Oklahoma City, and earning the rank of Major and assuming the role of S1 at a new Reserve unit in Mustang, Oklahoma. Both are a testament to the dedication, time and efforts that have propelled me forward on this journey.

But perhaps the most significant transformation of all has been the one that took place within myself. As I shared on social media at the dawn of the new year, the past three years were not without their challenges. Yet, 2023 was a year of rediscovery – a year where I found myself again, both physically and emotionally. With the unwavering support of my mom and the rekindling of my love for cooking, I re-embarked on a journey of self-care and renewal. It was a process of reclaiming lost ground, both in terms of my physical health and inner well-being. Throughout the year, I dedicated myself to rebuilding healthy habits while still allowing room for indulgence in the things I love. It wasn’t just about shedding the excess weight gained over the past three years – though that was certainly a significant part of it. It was about finding solace in nurturing my body and mind, about rediscovering the joy of movement and the satisfaction of creating delicious, wholesome meals again. With patience and determination, I saw remarkable progress. Regaining lost muscle and shedding half of the 53 pounds I’d gained was just one aspect of the journey. More and most importantly, I obtained a renewed sense of vitality and self-assurance.

Amongst the year’s triumphs, there were still moments of sorrow. The passing of “Grandma” in May left a void in my heart, yet her spirit of bravery and love continues to inspire me. Her legacy lives on in the lessons she imparted and the love she shared. I adopted her and she adopted me in a church pew over 20 years ago and I am so grateful for that moment in time and all that followed it.

But amidst the highs and lows, one thing remained constant – a newfound sense of purpose and gratitude. Something shifted within me – a switch was flipped; and I found myself embracing life with a renewed sense of vigor and resolve. I took chances, traveled on a whim, and rebuilt positive habits while nurturing the relationships that matter most. I loved hard and accepted love in return – never give up on real and genuine love.

As I look ahead to the remainder of 2024, I do so with anticipation and excitement. The possibilities are endless, and I am eager to see where the journey continues. With each passing day, I am reminded of the profound truth that life isn’t just happening to us; it’s happening for us. And by embracing change and seizing control of our own narrative, we open ourselves up to a world of infinite potential.

Thank you for being a part of my journey.  Your love and support have meant the world to me, and I am grateful for the privilege and blessing it is to share these moments with you.

Here’s to embracing the adventure that lies ahead!