As the year comes to a close, I’ve been looking back on all the moments that shaped me- the big adventures, the quiet wins, the unexpected lessons, and the people and places that made life feel full. Gratitude has been the thread running through every experience, even the hard ones, and revisiting these posts reminds me just how much there is to be thankful for. From early-morning trailheads and cold canyon waters to the soft nudge of a dog’s paw or a lesson learned from my little sister, each moment added something to my story this year. So here’s a look back at the posts that held meaning, growth, and a whole lot of gratitude.
Personal Growth
I’m so thankful for the HB community and the way you’ve supported both your own growth and mine. This post reflects on how uncomfortable seasons push us forward, why our passions matter, and how important it is to stay grounded in gratitude while we figure out who we’re becoming.
Personal Growth
We Backpacked Rim-River-Rim Of The Grand Canyon In 2 Days
One of the biggest adventures we tackled this year was our two-day Rim–River–Rim trek, and I’m so thankful for everything it taught us. From landing the permits to packing ultralight gear and navigating the heat, the prep alone was an experience but hiking down into the canyon and climbing back out gave us memories we’ll never forget. I’m grateful for the little lessons along the way: how quickly electrolytes disappear, how the scenery shifts from desert to lush greens near Havasupai Gardens, and how good it feels to push past what you thought you could do.
Backing Rim-River-Rim
Personal Growth Through Family Relationships
Here, I’m especially thankful for my little sister. I’m so thankful for my little sister and the way she constantly reminds me what growth really looks like. Watching her face fears, push through tough times, make new friends, improve her nutrition, hit new milestones, and slowly step into her confidence has been one of the greatest gifts.
My Sister Becomes A Baddie
My Life As A Dog Mom
I’m so thankful for my dogs and the way they pull me back into the present when life gets too loud. Their barks, paws, and endless enthusiasm remind me to get up, stretch, breathe, and step outside when I’d otherwise stay glued to a screen. I talk about how grateful I am for Dixie and Loki – my built-in energy protectors – who’ve taught me to choose peace over chaos, presence over distraction, and joy over burnout. They help me notice the simple things, reset my mindset, and find gratitude in everyday life, whether we’re traveling, walking the neighborhood, or just cuddling on the couch.
My Life As A Dog Mom
The Narrows in Zion National Park
I’m so thankful for our whole Utah adventure from snagging that cozy, budget-friendly Coral Springs resort with its giant kitchen, to the peaceful mornings kayaking around St. George. The Narrows brought its own kind of magic with chilly water, towering canyon walls, and the lessons that come from an unplanned 8-mile river trek. This trip grounded me in all the best ways and reminded me how good it feels to travel simply, cook our own meals, chase sunsets, and take every adventure at a pace that feels right.
The Narrows
Finding Myself As I Travel
In this post, I share how thankful I am for the way travel has reshaped my life and my attitude toward the world. I talk about the small steps that led me from casual walks to hiking, camping, backpacking, and eventually standing on mountaintop ridgelines with the love of my life, surrounded by oceans, mountains, pine trees, and even condors flying beside us. I’m grateful for how these experiences made me feel grounded, connected, and more open to others listening without judgment and finding joy in their stories. I also express gratitude for where Habitual Balance is headed, the adventures still to come (including our first beach campground in Kauai!), and the amazing community that continues to grow alongside me.
https://habitualbalance.com/finding-myself-as-i-travel-another-trip-around-the-sun/
Practicing Gratitude in 2023
I’m thankful for the slow, simple moments that make life feel fuller like watching storm clouds drift away on a summer evening, feeling the wind on my face with my eyes closed, or listening to cows and birds as the world calms itself down. I talk about being grateful for nature, for stillness, for the chance to breathe deeply and remember that gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated. I’m thankful for the reminder to let go of the chaos the red lights, the spilled-milk arguments, the noise and instead pay attention to what actually matters. This post is my heartfelt push to appreciate the good and the bad, to be fully present, to breathe intentionally, and to choose gratitude every single morning, even if it’s just for ten seconds.
https://habitualbalance.com/practicing-gratitude-in-2023/
Thankful For YOU!
Looking back at each post reminded me how lucky I am to have a community that grows with me, and embraces the beauty of becoming better one small step at a time. I’m so so thankful for every reader who travels this journey with me, who finds comfort or just a tiny bit of inspiration in these stories, and who’s choosing their own version of growth right alongside me. Here’s to carrying this gratitude into the days ahead, creating more memories worth looking back on, and continuing to build this little corner of the internet into a place where we can all feel seen, supported, and excited for what’s next.
