2025 Reflections
It’s New Years Eve and this morning a friend texted me seven questions to reflect on as we usher in 2026. The last few years I have neglected my deep end of year reflection, an activity I typically loved. Maybe it has something to do with parenthood overpowering every ounce of my brainpower and energy. Or maybe it’s the fact that living on this planet the past few years have felt like a depressing dumpster fire. Most likely of all it is a combination of both. But regardless, my friend’s gentle nudge to take time for myself and look at this past year was such a subtle act of love and I am going to make damn sure I do it.
What is worth remembering from 2025?
There is a lot to remember, some of which I won’t be sharing here. But something I do feel comfortable sharing is that growth never stops. I need to remember that no matter how comfortable I get in life, stagnation is akin to misery for me and growth, while hard, invigorates me. I had a reckoning in more work life this year that shook my confidence and revealed how tightly I held on to perfection. I grew from that experience and it is allowing me to understand in real and practical ways that I am worthy no matter my performance, output, or perceived value to others.
When did you feel the most joyful and carefree?
I felt the most joyful when acting in line with my values. When showing up and supporting others in the ways I wished to be supported at different points in my life. I am always the most carefree at home, with my family. Despite all of my responsibilities being at home, all of my greatest joy is house here too. My toddler is such a joy to be around, talk to, and play with. He bring both me and my partner so many laughs and so much amazement. There is no place I would rather be than home with them.
What gave you energy and what drained it?
I felt so much energy writing this year. I love that I am at a stage in parenthood where I am getting back to my hobbies. I felt my mind learning new things and stretching creatively in ways I have missed deeply. What drained me was work, not all the time but often. I working in social justice advocacy and to say that 2025 has been a hard year is the understatement of understatements. It is draining to show up as a leader these days, but I am proud of how I have and never could have made it through this year without the unflagging support of some very special friends and colleagues.
What seemed impossible but you did it anyway?
I am having a hard time coming up with things for this question because there is very little that feels impossible to me, honestly. I have moments of doubt, but if I give myself time it usually passes and I forge ahead. I am going to think on this a bit more.
What habit, if you did it more consistently, would have a positive effect on your life?
Cue the cliche new years resolution: going to the gym. Not to look hotter but truly to feel better. Moving my body clears my mind, it proves to me how mentally and emotionally tough I am. And I am proud every single time I show up for myself. Being consistent at the gym would do wonders for my mental health and my future self.
What did you try to control that was actually outside your control?
Other people, as usual. I overcompensated for colleagues. I pushed family members to grow in ways they weren’t ready for. I am an eldest daughter with a Virgo sun and perfectionist tendencies. I am a work in progress.
Is there anyone you need to forgive in 2026?
Maybe myself. I might still be holding on to something I felt was a mistake in my work last year. I know that it was out of my control (see last question) and I internalized a lot of responsibility for it and there are still some internal narratives I need to rewrite.
