a little spark returns
Here we are! The end of the recap. One more glimpse into the past at my 2024 self, who was preparing for 2025.
I had found my sweet spot and was entering into 2025 with reignited dreams. This little spark I discovered in the last few months of 2024 had given me a new purpose for the season of life I was (and still am) in.
This letter to myself carried me through 2025. I reopened it and reread it several times. Each time I did, I smiled. I felt like I was living out what I had hoped for. Reading the appreciation I had for myself (as silly as that sounds) filled me with gratitude for how far I’ve come.
Guess what? It’s not even midnight yet. And I’m ready to roll. I’ve been looking forward to writing out my 2025 goals. I’ve been thinking about it for the past few days… I think I’m excited for 2025. I mean, the beginning of the year will be lit. In February, I’m going to Rome, Copenhagen, Cologne, and Heidelberg!! In March, I’ll be going through the Gold Rush audition process. And I haven’t thought about too much beyond that. There will hopefully be a trip to SoCal sprinkled in those early months and a visit up north from Katie. But the rest of the year, I’m holding with open hands. Those beginning months are going to determine a lot.
2025 feels like a rad year. It would be so cool to have a milestone like a big anniversary, graduation, child, or something this year. Because 2025 is such a cool date. Maybe Shan will get married. It’ll be my golden birthday! That’ll be fun! But I don’t foresee any other milestones, unfortunately. That’s ok. It’ll be a cool year, regardless.
So, here you go. What I hope for in 2025.
Dear Kylie,
I am so proud of how far you’ve come. You’ve grown so much in the past couple of years, and your faith continues to ground you. You’re learning to dream with open hands and trust God with every curve in the road. You’re learning to appreciate the answered prayers you’re living out, like this slower pace of life, a free roof over your head, free food on your plate, and a loving family.
Katie asked you a couple of weeks ago where you see yourself next year. And for the first time, you thought honestly about it. You’ll still be living at home. Unless God answers your prayer and pays off your student loans, you’ll still be in Brentwood. And while that isn’t very exciting, it will be good.
When you look out at 2025, you may not envision a crazy, fun year. You may foresee a mellow one. Similar to this year, I suppose. But what a gift that God is in control, writing your story, and guiding you. Who knows? You might be quite surprised a year from now.
Regardless of what happens in this quarter of the century, I hope you’ll do two things in 2025.
dance…
…and grow even closer to God.
In whatever form it comes—Zoom classes, the Gold Rush, classes in SJ, SF, or elsewhere, grooves in the kitchen, or down grocery aisles—your little heart needs to dance. I want more of that for you in 2025. I want you to give it all you’ve got. Dance bigger than ever because you can. I want you to radiate and captivate because of the light within you. I want your performances to emulate joy.
And I want you to find that intimate space with Jesus—the one that makes you cry tears of overwhelming gratitude—more often. I want you to WORSHIP and be in church more than on Sundays. I want you to sing on your knees. He has more for you, Kylie. I believe it. As you travel through the Bible this year, let the Word become personal. Find your story in it. And my goodness, keep falling head over heels for your Creator. He loves you so, so much.
I hope you’ll take this year one day at a time. Starting it with God, walking hand in hand throughout the day, and ending it with God. There is so much goodness to be discovered in His presence.
And lastly, Kylie girl, I hope you’ll live unapologetically this year. Publish your book. Dance larger than life, wear what you feel stylish in, and do your makeup and hair how you feel confident. And for every social interaction you feel nervous about, lift it up to Jesus. He’ll carry you through. He always has.
A little side note before I close:
You’ll likely end your 23rd year of life and go through half of your 24th single. This will likely be another year of you and Jesus alone. And as friends progress in their relationships and others get married, rely on your Abba for strength. Your time will come. Even when it gets hard, trust that your MOG is waiting for you, too. I’m so, so proud of you, Kylie. You’ve found contentment and satisfaction in the Lord. Keep fighting for it.
After all, you’re already living the greatest love story ever written.
All my love and prayers for the best,
2024 Kylie
I entered 2025 with hope. For the first time in several years, I not only had things to look forward to but dreams I was excited to pursue. And not just concepts of hypothetical dreams, but dreams I actually felt capable of achieving.
God was continuing to answer my silent prayers, and 2025 certainly brought even more of that.
I look forward to sharing my 2026 goals with you soon! As we embark on a new year this week, I hope you’ll join me in cultivating some vision for 2026. Whatever form it comes in, a list of S.M.A.R.T. goals, a letter to your future self, a word for the year, or a journal entry of dreams.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Remember, you are loved by God, wonderfully made, and beautifully you. Don’t let someone else’s voice speak louder than what’s true.
Until next time…
hugs,
Kylie
