THE YEAR OF REST

At the end of 2024, God gave me one simple word: REST.

At first, I thought, Okay, Lord—I definitely need more sleep. I figured it meant slowing down, maybe getting to bed earlier, or finding time for naps between the chaos. But as the year unfolded, I quickly realized… it was so much deeper than that.

This wasn’t about naps. This was about alignment.

In 2023, life was a whirlwind. I was knee-deep in my PhD program, expecting my first baby, running multiple businesses, planning a wedding, and somehow trying to keep it all afloat. When 2024 arrived, I was newly married, a new mom, still leading a business, selling a house, building a new one—and trying to find some sense of balance in it all.

So yes, “rest” made sense. But the kind of rest God was calling me into wasn’t just physical—it was spiritual, emotional, and deeply intentional.

I Needed to Be Present

One of the first things God revealed to me was this: Your family needs you.

My husband deserved more than the scraps of my energy. For most of our relationship, I’ve either been in school, building a business, or doing both. I’ve pulled all-nighters at the computer, fell asleep mid-task, and pushed myself to unhealthy limits in the name of productivity. And while he has always been supportive (and still is), I knew that pace wasn’t sustainable.

I had to make room for my marriage—on purpose.

And motherhood? Whew. Nothing fully prepares you. I have an incredible support system, but there’s no blueprint for how life shifts when you welcome a child into the world. I didn’t want to just “make it work”—I wanted to be present. To soak in the giggles and milestones. To nurture, to love, to grow alongside my family.

And that meant something had to change.

God Confronted My Heart: Stop Idolizing Success

What really shook me was this next revelation: I had made success an idol.

Idolatry doesn’t always look like bowing to a golden statue. It can look like overworking. Obsessing. Placing our worth in our titles, accomplishments, or bank accounts. The dictionary defines idolatry as “extreme admiration, love, or reverence for something.”

That was me—with success.

I wanted to “make it” so badly. I longed for freedom, for impact, for purpose. But somewhere along the way, I stopped placing God at the center. I was making major decisions, launching ideas, and pouring myself out—without ever consulting the One who gave me the vision in the first place.

So when God said rest, He was calling me back to Him. Back to stillness. Back to what really matters.

Rest, Redefined

This year, I’ve learned that rest is more than taking a break—it’s trusting God enough to pause.

It’s choosing presence over performance. It’s being fully rooted in what He’s already blessed me with—my marriage, my family, my peace. It’s learning to be still and wait for His direction. It’s protecting my mind, my body, my spirit.

It hasn’t been easy. But it has been worth it.

As 2025 wraps up, I don’t yet know what word God will give me for 2026. But what I do know is that this season of rest has changed me—for the better. I’ve grown. I’ve healed. I’ve realigned. And now, I’m ready to share more of that journey with you.

Introducing the Refresh: Grace, Gains & Glow-Up

I’m so excited to officially relaunch my YouTube channel: IAmBrittanyTiera presents: Grace, Gains, and Glow-up—a space where faith meets lifestyle.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Grace – Devotionals, Bible chats, and real, faith-based encouragement

• Gains – Wellness routines, workouts, and “what I eat in a day” videos

• Glow-up – Lifestyle vlogs, intentional living, and behind-the-scenes of real life

You’ll see the ups and downs. The breakthroughs and the pauses. The laughter, the lessons, and everything in between. This is my journey of learning to steward every season with God at the center—and I hope it encourages you to do the same.

Thank you for being here. Let’s walk this out—together.