At the beginning of 2025, I had only one resolution, be happier. After a very tough few years, exhausted mentally and physically I wasn’t aiming for a total life transformation, I simply wanted to be less stressed. Looking back from the last day of the year, I can say I have achieved this aim and more. I’ve had a lot to be thankful for and most of my setbacks have been manageable rather than life changing.
Starting off strong, in January, I got what I consider an overdue promotion at work. It had been a year in the making, spent trying to justify to my bosses why I deserved to be promoted to a grade I was already working at. Win.
On a random Tuesday in January, I walked past a cheap set of crochet hooks, bought them and decided to take up crocheting. Since then, I have made several fabulous pieces, some more successful than others. Crocheting has given me a creative outlet to de-stress. Its relaxing an absorbing. Now I just need to stop impulsively buying every yarn I see. Win.
In March, my son got a place in our first-choice school and has been thriving, He has matured quickly, grown more independent, made new friends and had a lot of new experiences. Win.
April brought the start of the new tax year, fresh ISA allowance and Trump’s tariffs tanking the markets. It should have been the perfect time to invest. Instead, I waited too long, trying to time the market and expecting a downturn in the American economy. I didn’t expect the now labelled ‘TACO trade’ or the AI boom. I missed the bottom and had to invest as the market rose and rose. A humbling reminder that “time in the market” usually beats “timing the market.” Loss.
In May, I finally started this blog. Long thought about and even longer delayed, I finally bit the bullet. Averaging two posts a month and zero readers, I’m still proud that I made something I always wanted to do actually happen. Win
I also made two new friends. This might not be a big deal to many, but this is quite an achievement for me. I’m an introvert who enjoys her own company indoors. I don’t make friends, rather a friend typically adopts me and refuses to let go. One of these friendships followed this familiar pattern. The other required initiative, I invited someone out for a meal on my day off and it turned out to be a truly lovely day. Win.
I have had a few new experiences this year too. As part of my “say yes more” manta, I attended a formal ball, learnt how to ride a bike, made and devoured Vietnamese spring rolls, took the kids on a staycation to Oxford, did parkrun all summer ,spent a day at the seaside, completed an escape room, tried boulder climbing, attended a bonfire night and visited a Christmas market. Win.
All in all, this year has brought more wins than losses, I am ending the year happier than I started it and that’s enough. I bid adieu to 2025 and look forward to 2026.
