I adopted a phrase in the 90s “how you start out isn’t necessary how you finish.” 2025 is the living testament of this statement.
This has been a trying year for me no doubt. However I leaned on my village of family, close friends and connections to come out shining brightly!
I have chosen once again to highlight the many 2025 deaths close to me in a separate post. The two that impacted me the most were my first cousin/brother Big Jake Lanier and my first cousin Clarence J. Powell III. Please continue to pray for me and mine as we navigate these losses.
There were a lot of milestones for me personally this year. I celebrated 10 years of employment with Amazon, 30 years employed altogether. I also celebrated 25 years of being a Winthrop University graduate. My high school alma mater, Blacksburg High School, celebrated 100 years of being open as well.
Life is good down here at 260/270. My uncle Forest Kenneth came out of retirement like Jordan. He donned the number 45 and took a full time electrican job. He still does side work as a electrican and HVAC tech. He’s been doing several projects around our properties: building a cul de sac, a garden, a utility building and a small carport on his end of the property. He helped build myself a deck and remodel my kitchen floors. There is still much more work to be completed but as always I’m proud and grateful for what has been accomplished thus far.
Shortly after I celebrated both my 10 year work anniversary and my 47th birthday, I started a short term mental health leave from work. The various deaths close to me, plus work and personal stress prompted me to take this self imposed leave. The takeaway is to prioritize and love myself and be careful who I deal with and love. I realize I talk about it often but you have to walk it also. I’ve used this time to get healthier physically, mentally, socially and emotionally. I plan to return back to the job a much healthier and healed employee and manager.
I’ve been very intentional about my continued growth and development. I have been attending events and celebrations per always. I am also enjoying life more, getting to travel more, having more outside fun, back in the gym regularly and even reading more (12 books and counting). I have a good looking MyChart, a better outlook on life and when I smile I mean it.
I still have my #imjustdrew brand and platform with my podcast that has currently 127 episodes! My #drewfromdawu brand is now out with plenty of great things and content in the works for 2026, the 10 year anniversary.
I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, Happy Festivus, and any other December holiday that’s celebrated!
Remember nothing beats a Jet2Holiday, a person that refuses to quit nor someone with great, loyal friends!
#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #drewfromdawu
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