What has been the biggest change in your life in 2025?
The biggest change has been my employment as a full-time chaplain. This has been a dream that I have been working on for several years. After two years of temporary employment as chaplain resident, I am thankful to be settled into a long-term position as a chaplain with a focus on palliative care and telehealth. I am also grateful to no longer have homework as a resident-the intensity of my residency felt like grad school!
What has been your biggest challenge in the last year?
In the words of person-centered therapist Carl Rogers, my greatest growth/challenge has been around congruence (my outer expression matching my inner life). This year, I have worked hard to shift from a passive to active approach as an agent in my life. This has manifested in my ability to be aware of and name my needs and desires, seek help/coaching as needed, channel my anger as energy toward change, and accept grief as a normal feeling of transformation. I feel less like life is happening to me and more like an active participant in my life. These days I know better what is happening inside of me and am able to act with more integrity/congruence with that reality. Shame and anxiety have been layers that have previously made congruence a challenge for me. Moments of unconditional positive regard (Rogers) have helped me foster trust, healing, authenticity, and freedom from shame. Leaning in instead of leaning out has been hard for me, but also worthwhile as I have cultivated intimacy, inner grounding, wisdom, and a meaningful life. Many beautiful people have supported me through this process – therapist, family, Matt, friends, mentors, Companions of Mary Magdalene – and I am grateful for them.
What in 2025 has brought you the most joy?
My budding friendships have brought me the most joy. I have been longing for a sense of community. This year, I recall vivid moments like seeing the BNL concert with my sister, eating lunch with J halfway through the Four State Challenge, the magical last scene of my improv show when we all started to do the same thing silently, having my parents and A come for my residency graduation, seeing the orchids and sunflowers at NYBG, gathering around C’s campfire for the solstice and singing. Together, we crooned, “Hear my words that I might teach you/ Take my arms that I might reach you.”
This year, wise words have taught me; warm arms have reached me.
These moments have bridged the gaps from my old and new life. Joy has been in the strength of my relationships that have been sprouted (new) and strengthened (old). This year, love has remained and blossomed. In that is Joy.
What achievement in 2025 are you most proud of?
- Completing the Four State Challenge with Matt and J (read here).
- Completing the Pennsylvania Appalachain Trail. Woot!
What is the biggest lesson you have learned in 2025?
Life is short and it matters. Live now the life you want (even if it’s hard).
What are you looking forward to the most in 2026?
Becoming a board-certified chaplain, baby!
Joy of the Journey 