A New Chapter

Hey Cowgirl,

December has a way of making me reflect on what my life has looked like during the past 11 months and wonder what the next 11 will bring. I started this year out with a word, change. Last year, during my college Bible study right before Christmas break, we went through our usual check-in discussion. We talked about the highs and lows of our week, and shared what we were looking forward to. Then, just like the year prior, we chose our word of the year. I knew instantly what mine was: Change. At this point, I was burnt out and beyond ready for the year to be over with. I desperately needed change, and at the time, didn’t know what that looked like, nor did I care.

For the first half of the year, I didn’t feel like I was changing in the way I thought I should be. Instead, I dug myself into an even deeper hole and developed unhealthy patterns. I spent so much time dwelling on my need for a new season of life, but did nothing to bring it about. I was mentally and spiritually far away from God, my friends, and my family.

After the spring semester ended, I left school and came home. Coming home wasn’t easy for me at first. As a freshman, I was so eager to get away and start my new life somewhere else. I wasn’t attached to the school, town, or my classmates. One of the things I have learned during my time away at college is how crucial community is to our existence. That was my problem with coming back—I had no real community and did not know how to be content. Combine that with a lack of motivation or direction, and it’s a recipe for a pretty miserable life.

God had once again brought me to my lowest point so He could rebuild me. Being rebuilt is not an easy process, and if I’m being honest, I’m still kind of stuck. But thankfully, I’ve started going to a new bible study and making new friends. I’m slowly finding my way again.

A few weeks ago, I celebrated my best friend’s 23rd birthday. Visiting with her and her family after months apart was such a treat and a very much-needed breath of fresh air. Her parents treat me like one of their own, and it’s an inside joke among us that I’m the favorite child. They always have good advice for me and are great at motivating me. Since then, I’ve made progress with my goals and am looking forward to this next chapter.

I’ve been thinking about what my new word of the year will be and have settled on "diligent." I want everything I do to be thoughtful, intentional, and done well. I want to form better habits and become a better friend, daughter, and Christ follower, and I feel like diligence encompasses that.

So here’s to 2026! Can’t wait to see where it takes us!

Happy Trails, Bailey Elaine