Still Here
For those who have been through a hard year
This one isn’t for everyone.
It’s for those of you who have had a year that didn’t just challenge you—it tested you in ways you never signed up for.
Unexpected losses.
Life changes you didn’t choose.
Relationships that shifted or broke.
Jobs that ended—or no longer fit.
Illness. Fear. Uncertainty.
Moves you didn’t plan.
A loss of control you never saw coming—or couldn’t stop.
2025 has asked more of you than you ever expected to give—and more than you should have had to.
You may feel—and even look—like you’ve been through the storm of the century.
Lonely.
Anxious.
Overwhelmed.
Brokenhearted.
Afraid.
Helpless.
If that’s you, I want to say this clearly:
What you’re feeling makes sense.
Nothing about this has been small.
And nothing about your pain needs to be explained or justified.
And still—there is a quiet truth worth saying here, offered gently, not as a correction:
You are still here.
Feeling broken is part of being human.
It does not mean you failed.
And it is not the end of something.
Very often, it is the beginning of a stronger, wiser, more complete version of you—even if it doesn’t feel that way yet.
So take a deep breath.
Or two.
Remember—and look for—the anchors that still exist, even if they are fewer or smaller than before.
Let what’s in your rearview mirror be part of your history—where you’ve been—but not the final word on who you are or where you’re going.
I’m not asking you to climb a new mountain.
I’m simply asking you to remember how incredibly strong you actually are—even on the days you don’t feel strong at all.
2026 is almost here.
And you may be more ready for it than you realize.
So, goodbye 2025. And welcome, 2026.
With love,
Paul
P.S. Even if this doesn’t speak to your year this time around, we’ve all been there.
And it likely describes the year of someone you love.
Sharing this message reminds us that we are not alone—and welcomes in the light, the calm, and the hope for all of us.
If you need something that quietly says “I’m not done yet,” this song has been a companion for me:
“I’m Only Getting Started” by Avi Kaplan
Thank you for this, Paul. My husband and best friend Bob passed suddenly this year, and it’s been a challenge. God has blessed me with support from others, like you.
Thank you, Paul. Your compassion touched me deeply to tears. And the song is powerful. Thank you for being you and sharing your light with us all.
2025 has been a hard year for many in our country and around the world. On a personal level your words reminded me of my best friend who lost her dear brother this year in a tragic boating accident soon after the fires in LA and her sister lost her home & came to live with my friend for many months. Then a couple months ago my friend suddenly woke up with severe abdominal pain. It was appendicitis & she was rushed to ER where she waited 6 hours to have her appendix removed and while waiting it burst. Her recovery has been long and painful but she’s much better now. She’s “still here.” I know she will appreciate what you wrote.
Thank you dear Paul. ❤️