I walked out the door, rushing to yoga class, expecting the blistering heat to hit my face, but instead I was pleasantly surprised to feel a light cool breeze. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and tilted my head back. It’s my favorite time of year, fall. This year feels different, though.

I walk to my car, roll down my window, and play “Nice to Each Other” by Olivia Dean — my song of the summer, (even though I’m clearly making it my song of fall as well). I sing along while the wind blows in my hair, and I’m struck by how different last year looked. I find myself lost in thought about the year before.

Back then, I was navigating a lot of uncertainty, which left me feeling anxious and stressed between work and my personal life. I wasn’t welcoming fall with open arms. I was just dragging myself through it, praying and hoping for the best. I knew what I wanted, and I wanted it to go the way I’d planned. I went months without good news — fall ended, winter came, my prayers weren’t answered yet, and I felt defeated.

This year, I am happy; actually, the happiest I’ve been in a while. I think it’s a mix of things. There isn’t one part of my life that’s bringing me overwhelming joy. It’s just a collection of small moments that add up each day. I’ve discovered a new love for moving my body and calming my nervous system through yoga and meditation. I’ve also set boundaries at work, recognizing that work is a part of my life, but not my whole life — and I plan to keep it that way.

I’ve rediscovered my love for fiction by listening to audiobooks, and it’s been the highlight of my year. I’ve found myself laughing, crying, and giving a “I know that’s right” to myself while I listen to books in the car, especially when I hit a point in the story I fiercely agree with. Little by little, I’ve been healing. Talking to my therapist, showing up for myself, and loving myself more than I did before. I look in the mirror and I truly love what I see.

I’ve experienced healing after medical procedures. I was once in extreme pain, but my body has healed. In some cases, I am feeling better than I did before. I’m always fascinated by the healing process. Because, leading up to medical procedures, I’m usually extremely nervous. Afterwards, when I’m in pain, I just want to rest and get through the tough part. But before I know it, I’m doing the things I used to do all the time, and I find that what felt like it would crush me only made me stronger.

I went out to dinner with a friend, and as we were talking about how I’ve been doing, my husband spent five minutes talking about how proud he is of me and how he has seen me grow through adversity. I felt so loved and deeply appreciated to receive such thoughtful affirmations from the person who sees the best and worst of me.

I know you might be asking, “Okay, Sis, where are you going with this?” I guess I want to encourage you — whether you’re in the middle of a hard season or on the other side of healing — it gets better. I can’t promise exactly when, but it does. I’ve personally seen my life drastically improve. Even when my circumstances haven’t changed, my mindset has. I stopped letting helplessness and hopelessness write my story. I found strength in experiencing the newness of God’s mercy each day. I am confident where I am now isn’t where I will always be, even as I wait for prayers to be answered.

Sis, put on your favorite song, write a letter to yourself, and write everything you want to see happen. Put the letter away, return to it in a year, and keep yourself encouraged because you are indeed, that girl!

Drop a note in the comments and write affirmations for yourself. Speaks words of encouragement over yourself. What are you trusting God for? What do you need to hear?