This week marks a full year of Diamonds in Dumpster Fires—52 episodes of showing up, telling the truth, and letting God work through the messy middle. Instead of a highlight reel, Melie shares seven lessons this year of podcasting taught her about resilience, creativity, faith, and showing up when life feels anything but polished.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why resilience is built through tiny acts of consistency

• How vulnerability strengthens connection and calms the nervous system

• Why creativity regulates your body and grounds your spirit

• How structure—not motivation—keeps you steady

• Why people connect to your story, not your perfection

• How God uses obedience more than expertise

• Why reflection turns your lived experience into wisdom

Each lesson comes with a simple action step you can use this week to strengthen your own resilience—whether you're building something, healing from something, or stepping into something new with God.

Melie also shares what surprised her most this year, from the power of honest stories to the unexpected joy of interviewing guests. The episode closes with a blessing for your next brave step as we head into 2026.

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Follow Melie on Instagram: @meliewilliams

Here's to year two—and to all the diamonds still waiting to be discovered.