Goodbye 2025: The Year That Tried… and I Still Won

Amanda Giraud
Dec 9
3 min read

Well, here we are — closing out 2025. If this year were a massage technique, it would’ve been that awkward moment when your client says, “I’m fine,” but their upper traps feel like braided steel cables. In other words: a lot was happening beneath the surface.

This year stretched me in ways I didn’t ask for (thanks, Universe?) but also reminded me of the resilience we humans are annoyingly good at… even when life keeps throwing elbows.

The Hard Stuff (Because Pretending Doesn’t Help the Nervous System)

2025 wasn’t gentle.

I said goodbye to my dad in the spring — a man who could hold his breath underwater for almost two minutes, kept weather records like it was a competitive sport, hated beets with the passion of a thousand suns, and taught me more about kindness than most textbooks ever could.

Then came another goodbye — my loyal dog, who had more personality than most Netflix characters. Lifting her daily when she could no longer walk had basically turned me into a part-time deadlifter, but I would’ve done it forever.

Somewhere in the middle of grief, work, and life happening on turbo speed, I finally had long-awaited surgery… only to discover new health issues waiting in the wings like, “SURPRISE! Did you miss us?” (I did not.)

And yet — here I am. Still grateful. Still standing. Still sarcastic. Still healing, inside and out.

Because here’s the thing: healing isn’t linear. It’s a spiral… which, ironically, is excellent for the vagus nerve and terrible for your sense of control.

What I Know for Sure (Evidence-Based, Obviously)

Touch supports the parasympathetic nervous system.
Breathwork can shift your entire internal chemistry.
Community improves resilience.
Laughter literally increases pain tolerance.
And most importantly: humans are built to recover, even when the year feels like a boss level we didn't consent to.

Looking Ahead: 2026, Bring It On

Despite the chaos, something beautiful has been quietly taking shape. Consider this your official teaser:

🧠 Cranial Sacral Techniques for Body Balance & Healing: Level 1

A new course launching in 2026 — perfect for anyone wanting to learn gentle, powerful tools for unwinding the nervous system, creating balance, and supporting deep healing.

Mini Retreats Are Brewing

I’m curating bite-sized, soul-feeding retreats featuring:

Breathwork for nervous system reset
Sound healing (because vibration = medicine)
Forearm Flow (your new best friend for longevity as a therapist)
Marma points (ancient wisdom meets modern hands)
Self-care practices that are actually doable, even if your life looks like a spinning plate circus act

✨ And Yes — I’m Putting My Teaching Hat Back On

2026 is shaping up to be a year where I finally pivot down my path. Not what people expect. Not what I “should” do. But what I’m meant to do.

I can’t wait for the people who are meant to find these offerings… to find them. Maybe that’s you.

A Holiday Wish from My (Slightly Bruised but Still Beating) Heart

To my clients, followers, friends, and the humans who’ve trusted me with their bodies, stories, pain patterns, and tight hamstrings:

Thank you. Truly. You’ve been the steady rhythm in a year that felt arrhythmic.

I’m wishing all of you a warm, restorative, joy-filled Holiday Season as we say goodbye to 2025 and step into whatever comes next — hopefully with a bit more ease, a bit more breath, and a lot more humor.

Because if this year taught me anything, it’s that healing isn’t a destination. It’s a practice.And I’m still practicing — just like all of you.

See you in 2026.With gratitude, wit, and a slightly crooked halo,