Held, Healed, Here

The Year Unfolded

As 2025 comes to a close, I find myself pausing with gratitude and honesty. 

This year was one of deep personal accomplishment, intentional rest, and steady endurance. I built strength mentally, physically, and spiritually. This was often done quietly without applause. I learned how to overcome new obstacles strategically, without rushing or forcing outcomes. I stretched myself beyond familiar edges, while also settling more fully into my softness. 

There were moments of laughter that surprised me, smiles that came easily, and tears; some born from joy, others from release. Still, when I look back, 2025 feels like a year rooted in goodness. 

I spent time reflecting on the experiences, lessons, and relationships that helped shape the woman I am today. Some things received a gentle nod of appreciation. Others I waved goodbye, especially the ones I no longer need to carry, like anger. Letting go felt less like loss and more like freedom. 

I step into this next season bolder and more confident, no longer reliant on outside validation or constant stimulation. I've learned to enjoy my own company. To create simply because it brings me joy. To find fulfillment in the smallest, quietest moments. 

As I look ahead to 2026, I expect exceptional experiences to unfold, and I welcome what's coming with grace and ease. 

To you, dear readers, the ones who faithfully read, respond, and send words of encouragement, thank you for being a part of my journey. This year welcomed many new countries, and I look forward to continuing this journey with you in 2026. 

Reflective invitation: 

1. As you reflect on 2025, what did you learn about yourself this year?
   
   
2. What are you carrying forward into 2026?
   
   
3. What are you ready to release?

As the year turns, may you honor what carried you here, release what no longer serves you, and step forward with trust in your becoming. 

Here's to 2026! Entered with intention, met with openness, and lived with grace. 

With grace and peace,

Stacie J.

The Journey of Miles, Milestones, and Memories - Part II

Grit Over Glamour: The Walk No One Applauds

Walking looks pretty right now, but it has not always been that way for me. 

Even after a year of walking, trotting, and running, there are still days when I simply do not want to move. There are mornings when motivation feels distant, when my body feels heavy, or when life has taken more than I expected it to. 

Doing something you do not feel like doing requires grit. It requires a commitment to yourself and a quiet determination that does not rely on applause, prizes, or public accountability. 

It is easy to stay motivated when there is a clear goal at the end: a medal, a gift, a finish line, or when others are watching. But what about the days when no one is there to hold you accountable? What about the seasons of sickness, injury, grief, or unexpected life disruptions?

Those are the moments that test why we move at all. 

When I struggle, I remind myself that my movement is not only for me. I am moving my body for the generations that came before me. For their sacrifices, their resilience, and their unfinished healing. And even more so, I move for those coming behind me. 

Carrying the Lineage, One Step at a Time

I am the chosen generation. 

Not chosen for perfection. 
Not chosen for performance.

Chosen to set a standard.  Not of excellence, but of continuous progress. 
Chosen to keep going, even when it's slow. 
Chosen to honor my body, my story, and my lineage through movement.

Some days, walking is graceful and light. Other days, it is simply an act of faith. 

And on those days, that is enough.

So if today requires grit instead of grace, know that you are still moving forward. Every step you take carries memory, meaning, and momentum. The strength of those who came before you lays the groundwork for those who will follow. 

This is the heart of The Journey of Miles, Milestones, and Memories; movement as legacy, healing, and quiet rebellion against giving up. 

In the next installment, I will explore how endurance reshapes identity and why staying in motion matters even more when the road feels uncertain.  

In Health Solidarity, 

Coach Stacie
Embracing Me Wellness — one healed story at a time

The Journey of Miles, Milestones, and Memories - Part I

And That About Wraps It Up

Thank you for joining me on this year-long journey and for supporting the 50/50/50 Miles, Milestones, and Memories Campaign. Your support fuels Embracing Me Wellness, a soft landing place for women to rediscover the whole self through creativity, movement, reflection, and gentle community. 

Your support also sustains our quarterly Power of Pause gatherings, where women come together to receive the same compassion, care, and nourishment we so often pour into others. These gatherings are intentional spaces; no performing, no proving, simply being. We sit in community, reflect, meditate, share a meal, breathe deeply, and hold space for one another without fear of judgment. 

We rest. 

We journal. 

We reconnect with the parts of ourselves we often silence. 

Thank You 

For Your:

• Prayers
• Presence at the quarterly events
• Miles walked or run alongside me from October 24-November 24,2025
• Encouragement, generosity, and support
  
  

Thank You To The Founding 50

Constance G. 

Myeisha T. 

Chris and Kate T. 

Stevie

Melanie F. 

Stefanie

Roger C.

Victor & Nataki R.

Michelle G. 

Lena B. 

And the many who chose to remain anonymous

Thank You For Purchasing Campaign T-shirts

Your continued support directly helps reduce financial barriers for women seeking wellness, community, and healing practices.
 

Special Thanks To Our Sponsors & Partners

Amani Massage & Wellness

Berry Berry Best Acai Bowls

Blak Steel Fitness

One Stop Barbershop

Lighthouse Catering
Flow With Fe Yoga
Love, Light, and Peace Apparel LLC

More to come on the journey to 50 and beyond! Stay tuned!

With Gratitude, 

Stacie J.