Have you ever been gut-punched? I used to think it was just a cliché, something people said to describe minor disappointments. Then, several years ago, it happened to me. A phone call shattered my world, blindsiding me with a betrayal from those I trusted. The news took the wind out of me, leaving me feeling hollow. Though I responded with calm on the surface, deep inside, I was wounded beyond words. That betrayal led to one of the toughest battles I’ve ever fought—people being dishonest while all I had done was try my best.

Fast forward, and I found myself sucker-punched once again. That familiar wave of sadness washed over me. I thought I had given all I could, put my heart into it, but I received nothing in return. The emptiness lingered, a reminder that sometimes, no matter how much we give, we can still be hurt. I was gut-punched. Again.

How does one move forward from such a blow? Sometimes, slowly. But always with intention. We don’t erase the pain or undo the past, but we learn to rise with a newfound strength. Each punch has forced me to reconsider my actions, my trust, and my boundaries. What can I do differently? How do I protect myself without hardening my heart?

This is not a merry post, but as the year comes to a close, it’s a reflection on growth. On how to avoid past mistakes, not by shutting down but by becoming wiser, more resilient. Yes, it hurts. Yes, it can knock us down. But in every gut punch, there’s a lesson waiting to be learned. And maybe that’s where the hope lies—in rejuvenation, in starting fresh, and in knowing that even when we’re hit hard, we can always get back up.