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As we arrive December, there’s something magical about this moment — the quiet pause before the final stretch of the year. Thirty-one days. That’s all that stands between who you’ve been in 2025 and who you’re preparing to become in 2026. And despite what the calendar says, a lot can still be reborn in a month. The last 31 days aren’t a countdown — they’re a command . A call to evaluate, release, realign, and rise. Let’s talk about how to finish intentionally and step forward with purpose. 1. Reflect Honestly on 2025: What Did This Year Teach You? Before you rush into planning a new year, honor the one you survived. Ask yourself: What did you overcome? What did you outgrow? What did you learn the hard way? What did you learn beautifully? Who showed up for you? Who revealed themselves? What parts of you healed? What parts of you still need attention? Reflection is not about regret — it’s about recognition. Acknowledge your growth. It counts. 2. Decide What You’re Leaving Behind in 2025 Not everything deserves to follow you into a new year. Leave behind: • The people who didn’t clap for you Release connections that drain your spirit, delay your purpose, or disrespect your standards. • The fears that kept you small You’ve been playing it safe long enough. • Overthinking, self-doubt, and second-guessing Confidence is a decision. • Old versions of yourself that no longer fit You can’t pour new wine into old wineskins — and you can’t bring 2026 blessings into 2025 mindsets. • Any guilt for choosing yourself That guilt is not yours to carry. 3. Protect Your Peace in December The last month of the year will test you if you don’t set boundaries. Be intentional about: Saying no Resting more Protecting your energy Limiting drama Staying focused Guarding your joy Your peace is not optional — it’s preparation. 4. Celebrate the Small Wins (They Weren’t Small When You Prayed for Them) So often we wait for something huge to celebrate, but the truth is: You survived days you didn’t think you’d make it through. You grew in ways nobody saw. You healed from things that once broke you. You kept going — and that’s worth honoring. Celebrate yourself. Out loud. 5. Set Intentions, Not Pressure, for 2026 Don’t sprint into the new year with unrealistic expectations. Instead, walk in with clarity: In 2026, I want to… Move with purpose Choose myself without explanation Open new doors Build new habits Attract aligned relationships Expand creatively, spiritually, and financially Your intentions shape your direction. 6. Expect Good Things—Seriously The last 31 days can still surprise you: Unexpected blessings New opportunities Closure you didn’t know you needed Peace in places that were once chaotic Connections that elevate you Breakthroughs that hit at the last minute Don’t count December out. God does His best plot twists right at the end. Final Thought: The Year Isn’t Over, and Neither Are You You have 31 full days  to shift your mindset, refresh your spirit, finish strong, and get in position for what’s next. Don’t spend the end of 2025 mourning what didn’t happen. Spend it preparing for what will . The rebirth continues. And 2026 has your name on it.

As we gather today around tables filled with family, food, and tradition, Rebirth Magazine extends a heartfelt Happy Thanksgiving  to each of you. This season invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and acknowledge the blessings—big and small—that have shaped our journeys throughout the year. Thanksgiving is more than a holiday; it is a moment of rebirth  in itself. A moment to pause, look inward, and appreciate the growth that has taken place in our lives and in our communities. Today, we honor: ✨ The Families Who Hold Us Up The ones who love us, challenge us, and stand with us. Whether connected by blood or by choice, family forms the foundation of our stories. ✨ The Creatives and Visionaries Authors, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, educators, and artists who continue pushing culture forward. You remind us that storytelling is power and that Black voices remain essential, timeless, and transformative. ✨ The Communities That Continue to Rise From Baton Rouge to surrounding areas and beyond, we celebrate the neighborhoods, organizations, and change-makers working every day to uplift and inspire. ✨ The Resilience That Defines Us This year has shown us once again that we are capable of rebuilding, reinventing, and renewing ourselves—no matter the obstacles. Every challenge faced and lesson learned has prepared us for greater purpose. As we look forward to a new year filled with creativity, connection, and community impact, Rebirth Magazine remains committed to: 💛 amplifying Black stories💛 supporting emerging and experienced creators💛 fostering spaces where culture, art, and empowerment thrive💛 continuing the work of helping our community rise, heal, and evolve On this Thanksgiving Day, we encourage you to embrace the spirit of gratitude. Celebrate the moments that fed your soul, the people who poured into you, and the opportunities that helped you grow. May your day be filled with warmth, laughter, reflection, and love. From our Rebirth Magazine family to yours— Happy Thanksgiving. Here’s to gratitude, growth, and the continued rise of our stories.

By Simone O. Higginbotham | Rebirth Magazine For generations, women have been told that our biggest obstacles come from the outside — society, patriarchy, lack of opportunity, closed doors, and competing responsibilities. And yes, all of those things are real. But what we don’t talk about enough is the role we play in getting in our own way — especially when it comes to how we treat each other. We say, “women support women,” but too often, the support only lasts long enough to benefit one person. Too often, we link arms only until our  needs are met. Too often, we partner just long enough to gain access, visibility, resources, or opportunity — and then suddenly the connection fizzles out. This is not judgment. This is truth. And truth is the foundation of growth. Because if we’re going to move into a season of intentionality, collaboration, and elevation, we must be honest about the patterns that keep us stuck. 1. The Short-Term Sisterhood Many women have experienced it: the person who sticks around for as long as it benefits them. They contribute just enough to stay connected, but not enough to build anything lasting. They disappear when the work gets hard or when your shine starts shining too brightly. Short-term sisterhood feels good in the beginning. But it is one of the biggest killers of long-term success among women. Real sisterhood isn’t seasonal — it’s sustainable. 2. Competition Instead of Collaboration We live in a culture that teaches women to compete: Who’s more successful? Who looks younger? Who’s building faster? Who’s being recognized? But competition is rooted in fear — the fear that someone else’s success reduces our own. The truth? Women rise higher together  than we ever could alone. When women collaborate with consistency, we build empires. When we compete, we build enemies. Every woman reading this has a gift. And no two gifts are identical. There is no need to compete when each of us was called to do something uniquely ours. 3. Not Staying Long Enough to Grow Some women don’t stay in relationships, partnerships, or mentorships long enough to grow into the person their goals require. They get frustrated and walk away. They get what they came for and disappear. They want support without accountability. Vision without commitment. Results without relationship. Growth requires time. Growth requires patience. Growth requires staying long enough to learn what you came to learn. You cannot build legacy with a microwave mindset. 4. We Don’t Leverage Our Collective Power When women show up for each other with consistency, something miraculous happens: Doors open. Opportunities multiply. Resources shift. Visibility increases. Balance returns. But when we isolate ourselves or treat relationships as transactional, we weaken our own influence. We have enough power to change communities — but only if we stop acting like we’re in competition and start acting like we’re in covenant. So, how do we fix it? 1. Commit to collaboration that lasts longer than your needs. Show up because it’s right — not just because it’s beneficial. 2. Stop treating other women like threats. Her win is not your loss. 3. Stay long enough to grow. Doors don’t open for people who quit mid-process. 4. Build with women who want to build with you. Alignment is more powerful than numbers. 5. Be the type of woman you want to work with. Consistency. Integrity Follow-through Respect Accountability This is the year of intentionality. This is the year women stop being their own worst enemy and start becoming each other’s greatest resource. This is the year we get out of our own way. This is the year we build — not alone, but together. Because when women truly stand together, we don’t just reach our goals. We change the world.