#2016Throwback

Looking back on 2016, I realize how pivotal that year was not just in terms of milestones but in the personal transformations I underwent. Trying out different hairstyles—from bold colors to unique cuts and twists—helped me express parts of myself I hadn’t fully embraced before. It was more than just physical change, it was about courage and stepping into new phases of life with confidence. When my husband, then boyfriend, joined the Navy, it tested our relationship in profound ways. The distance challenged us, but it also deepened our understanding of love and commitment. Navigating this new dynamic required patience and trust, skills that became essential as we moved forward. That same year, I took what I called my last family vacation before starting my own family, a bittersweet moment of closing one chapter gently while preparing to open another intentionally. The culmination of 2016 with a gender reveal that unexpectedly turned into a wedding proposal symbolized a beautiful turning point. It was a moment filled with joy and hope, marking the beginning of my journey as a wife and soon-to-be mother. Reflecting on these experiences, I realize how preparation and bravery defined that year. Each hairstyle, every challenge with long-distance love, and every joyful celebration laid the foundation for the future I am living now. I encourage anyone going through transitions to embrace change with an open heart; sometimes, the boldest transformations happen in our hair, our relationships, and within ourselves simultaneously. 2016 wasn’t just a year—it was the beginning of becoming who I am today.