The Art of Year's End

This year taught me the art of letting go, of people I loved, people I lost, and parts of myself I was forced to meet.

I lost seven people in my family this year. Eight, if you count my Joy Joy and her stroke…though she is still here, and that matters more than I can say.

I lost people who filled my heart with laughter and warmth. I felt pain so deep it settled into my bones. There was no pause, no time to stop. I had no choice but to keep moving forward.

Along the way, I had to remind myself of a hard truth: if someone truly loves you, they remain, through grief, through silence, through change.

This time, I chose myself.

By letting go of what no longer served me, new doors opened. But the price was high.
Love. Loss. Grief. Loneliness.

Still, I am here.

Learning the power it takes to endure.
Learning the strength it takes to continue.
Learning that becoming costs something, but it is worth it.

My lesson this year was learning to love without losing myself, to offer care without self-abandonment, and to recognize when holding on costs more than letting go.

These past few weeks have been difficult, full of heartache and pain, but also joy and laughter. I created art. I finished the pieces. I built the studio and launched the website. I became a member of the Saint Clair Art Association. My work is now on display, and I have found a beautiful community that supports and encourages me to create.

I met a neighbor who has been a true blessing…an artist as well. There have been moments of deep joy and humility, moments where I can hardly believe how much I have grown.

I am grateful for my family, my best friends, and every soul I have met along this path. I will always remind myself to remain humble and to create with my heart, my mind, and my soul.

Though 2025 brought the greatest heartbreak of my life, it also brought moments of joy and growth.

I choose to move forward.

If people choose to be in my life, I have a big heart and room enough to hold space.

Thank you to my friends, my family, and all those I have met along the way.

I look forward to 2026.
It is my year to shine.
I crossed the threshold carrying grief and arrived carrying myself.

With love and Light,

Robyn Leigh