2025: Healing, Community, Boundaries… and Finding My Way Back to Me

2025 was a year that stretched me, humbled me, healed me, and helped me grow in ways I didn’t fully expect. Some parts were beautiful and joy-filled. Others hurt deeply. But every part of it shaped me into the woman I am today.

I wanted to share a little of what this year looked like for me: the good, the windy, the emotional, and the healing.

Vendor Events, Windy Tents, and Community Love

This year, I went to more vendor events. One of them was in the spring, and it was so windy my tent almost flew away. That moment humbled me real quick and reminded me that yes… I needed a much better setup.

By the winter events, I upgraded. My table felt like me. My space felt intentional and beautiful. And those events? They popped off. I made double my goal, but honestly, the money wasn’t even the best part.

Vendor events can be scary. It’s vulnerable to show up as yourself, with your art, your story, your corazón on the table. But every single time, the community shows up. The conversations, the hugs, the storytelling, the laughter… that’s where the magic is.

I left tired, grateful, and so full of love, reminded that this is exactly where I’m meant to be. We really do heal in community.

Latina Podcasts and Powerful Conversations

This year, I was invited to be part of around ten Latina-owned podcasts to share my immigration story. That experience empowered me.

I met so many powerful, beautiful women who are creating, mothering, healing, hustling, and building community with so much heart. Sitting in those conversations, being seen and understood, reminded me that storytelling matters, and that my story matters, too.

It fueled my creativity in a way I deeply needed.

Two Out of Three

I applied to three art galleries this year… and I got into two. Yes, I really wanted that third one. And yes, it stung when I didn’t get it.

But instead of letting it crush me, I reminded myself of this:

They know my name now.

They know my work.

That “no” wasn’t forever; it was “not yet.”

Two out of three is still incredible. And this is only the beginning.

The Part That Was Hard to Talk About

This year also asked me to grieve a version of myself that no longer serves me.

I learned that sometimes the people you think will support you… won’t. I spoke up about harm. I stood up for myself. And instead of love, I faced retaliation. That hurt deeply.

But it also taught me something powerful:

I have my own back.

Choosing Peace

This year, I walked away from alcohol.

Not out of ego. Not because of perfection.

But because it no longer aligns with the woman I am becoming.

Alcohol has caused too much harm in my family. I am here to break cycles, not repeat them.

I had to ask myself:

Who am I when I drink?

Who is around me when I do?

I didn’t like the answer.

So I chose peace.

I chose clarity.

I chose myself.

Boundaries, Truth, and Standing in My Power

This year I learned:

Protecting my peace does not make me rude.

Setting boundaries does not make me selfish.

Choosing myself does not make me the villain.

I am not “the problem.” I’m simply no longer willing to shrink, stay quiet, or perform pain just to make others comfortable.

I was never meant to belong in environments rooted in harm. I am healing my inner niña, building something healthier for my children, and choosing a community that genuinely feels like love.

Final Reflection

2025 was my year of healing.

2026… I’m standing in my power.

If you’re reading this, thank you for being here. Thank you for supporting my art, my story, and my heart. We heal together, and I’m so grateful you’re part of this journey with me.

Con cariño,

Yazmín