The Power of Reflection

A message of gratitude and remembrance for it all

By: Dr. Debranetta, Mom, Strategist, Researcher, Chief of Staff

As I reflect on this year, I am reminded of the passage in Luke 17:11–19, where Jesus heals ten men, yet only one returns. He is a Samaritan, considered an outsider, and he comes back with intention. He falls at Jesus’ feet, lifts his voice in praise, and gives thanks. Jesus notices the absence of the others and speaks a powerful truth to the one who returned, affirming that his faith has made him whole. That moment has stayed with me. It is not just about the miracle of healing, but about the decision to pause, remember, and acknowledge what God has done. This year, I do not want to move forward without coming back first, without reflecting, and without giving thanks for every way God has carried me through.

Over the past few days, I found myself slowing down with intention. Instead of rushing into what is next, I am choosing to pause and reflect. I’ve decided to go month by month. Here’s where being a Planner Mom really comes in handy because my days are documented in great detail. Moreover, this practice helps me remember not only what I have accomplished, but what God has carried me through. Reflection has become an act of gratitude for me, much like the Samaritan who returned to say “Thank You”. It is a way to acknowledge growth, healing, and grace, even in seasons that stretched me beyond what felt comfortable. In today’s blog post, I’m sharing my full reflection on this year, including things I’ve never written about before.

Leave me a comment with some of your 2025 story to encourage another Career Mom!

Reflecting Month by Month

I do not want to rush past what God has done without stopping to acknowledge it. – Dr. Debranetta

Being intentional about checking in each month has changed how I see this year. January carried quiet hope and planning. February marked a personal milestone that felt both celebratory and reflective. Spring brought momentum, growth, and long days that required endurance. Summer tested my energy and my faith, while fall reminded me that perseverance produces fruit. Each month holds its own lessons, and none of them stand alone.

Together, they tell a story of faith in action.

Reflection has helped me see patterns I might have missed. Moments of answered prayer. Seasons of waiting. Times when God made a way even when I could not see it clearly. This practice has helped me connect the dots between effort, obedience, and outcomes. In doing so, I also receive a boost of encouragement for the moments ahead.

Celebrating a Milestone Birthday

This year included a milestone birthday that I will always remember. Turning forty was not just about a number. It was about honoring the journey that brought me here. Honestly, I did not picture my life exactly the way it is now years ago. I’m grateful for the loss and growth along the way. I would even go so far as to say it is much better than I imagined in spite of… Planning this celebration reminded me that milestones deserve recognition, no matter how busy life feels.

I shared more about this season and how I approached it in this post:

Celebrating Milestones

Reflecting on Graduation and Academic Achievement

My doctoral turn-up was one for the record books! It was a hard journey filled with many tears leading up to my defense.

Yet still, one of the most meaningful accomplishments of this year was completing my Doctorate in Business Administration. This achievement represents years of discipline, sacrifice, and faith. Three years to be exact. The truth is, it was never just about the degree. It was about obedience to a calling that felt bigger than me.

I have shared openly about why I chose this path and what it means to pursue advanced education while navigating motherhood and leadership. These reflections live here:

Graduation was not the end of the story. It was a marker along the way. This accomplishment reaffirmed my belief that women can pursue bold goals without shrinking other parts of their lives. Let this encourage you to press forward towards your biggest and most audacious goals in the days and years to come.

Reflecting on My Children’s Accomplishments

This year also held moments of pride as I watched my children grow, stretch, and achieve. Their accomplishments reminded me that motherhood is both visible and invisible work. Much of what we do as moms happens behind the scenes, yet the impact is lasting.

Tracking their milestones has helped me stay present and appreciative of their growth. I shared more about this approach here:

Seeing their progress encouraged me to slow down and celebrate small wins. Their achievements are not separate from my journey. They are woven into it.

Pressing Through the Hard Moments No One Else Sees

While this year held many highlights, it was not without hardship. Some moments required strength I did not know I had. I faced personal and professional disappointments that challenged my expectations and tested my faith. Not every prayer was answered the way I hoped. Not every effort produced immediate results.

I also walked through recovery from a traumatic injury, a third-degree burn that I do not often speak about publicly. Healing required patience, endurance, and trust. It was a reminder that our bodies and spirits both need care.

Fatigue became too familiar at times. There were days when rest felt out of reach and persistence was the only option. One thing I tell moms who face these types of moments is to endure because brighter days always lie ahead. Just endure… I also made the difficult decision to create distance from friendships that became unsupportive. Letting go was not easy, but it was necessary for my peace and growth.

This season also reshaped how I view community. I reflected on relationships and support systems, which I shared here:

Building Community Beyond Your Inner Circle

Through it all, my prayer life deepened. I committed more fully to prayer, corporate and individual fasting, and serving in my church. These practices grounded me and reminded me that strength comes from staying connected to God, especially when life feels heavy.

Six Encouraging Reflections to Carry Forward

1. Pause before you plan. Reflection creates clarity.

2. Celebrate milestones without guilt. Your accomplishments matter. Celebration does not require perfection or excess.

3. Honor perseverance as much as outcomes. Some victories are internal. Growth often happens quietly.

4. Letting go is sometimes an act of self respect.

5. Lean into spiritual disciplines. Prayer and fasting provide strength when natural energy runs low.

6. Model reflection for your children. When they see gratitude and intentional living, they learn it too.

To Wrap it Up

Reflection is essential because it creates space for awareness. Without it, seasons blur together and lessons are lost. Reflection allows us to process experiences honestly, recognizing both joy and pain. It helps us identify patterns, celebrate growth, and acknowledge God’s hand in our lives. When we reflect, we move from reaction to intention.

Reflection also strengthens faith. Remembering what God has done builds trust for what is ahead. It turns memories into testimony and challenges into evidence of resilience. Reflection reminds us that we are not starting from scratch each season. We are building on what has already been established.

As I prepare to step into a new year, I carry these reflections with gratitude. By remembering it well, I am better prepared for what comes next.

This post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.