2025 Year In Review

2025 has been an interesting year to say the least. It came with the usual mix of highs and lows, but all things considered, it looks set to end on a real high (knock on wood). This "moment" is not a highlight reel, even if I could remember enough to make one. Instead, it’s a reflection on a few key takeaways and a clearer sense of what I want to aim for in the year ahead

And no, this is not about New Year's resolutions. Those tend to pile on pressure and rarely stick. The plan for next year is much simpler: build on what worked, be honest about what didn’t, and take things one day at a time.

What Worked

I've found that the things that worked this year can be summed up in two simple categories: people and passions. Both have been central to my effort to live more intentionally and build a more fulfilled life.

The people I surround myself with have a big impact on my overall happiness and sense of fulfilment. This year, I made a conscious effort to spend more time with friends and family who uplift and inspire me. Whether it was through regular meetups, virtual hangouts, or simply checking in more often, these connections have been invaluable.

A major highlight was finally meeting a group of friends I’ve known online for years, first at one of their weddings, and later on a Christmas trip to Cardiff. These experiences have strengthened our bonds and created memories that I will cherish for a long time. I also had the pleasure of attending the wedding of a close friend in a beautiful location and I tore up the dance floor like there was no tomorrow. Moments like these reminded me how much joy comes from celebrating life’s milestones with the people who matter.

These experiences reinforced the importance of nurturing relationships and making time for those who genuinely add value to my life. Next year, I want to continue that and also be more proactive in turning acquaintances into friends through shared interests and intentional effort. At the same time, I’m learning to let go of relationships that no longer serve a positive purpose or aren’t being reciprocated.

I also made a real effort to reconnect with my passions this year. Cycling scenic routes with friends and on club rides, regular cinema trips, discovering new music, getting lost in audiobooks, picking up tennis again, and exploring new videogames — all of these have been lifelines.

A few favourites from this year:

These passions bring joy, relaxation, and personal growth. All essential for a balanced life. I also started this blog after redesigning my website earlier in the year. While I haven’t been as consistent as I’d like, it’s been a rewarding outlet for creativity and self‑expression.

Most of these activities have been solo pursuits, and while I enjoy the solitude, I want to involve more friends next year. An audio book club, joining a tennis league, more group cycling adventures, and being more consistent with the blog are all on the cards.

What Didn't Work

The one area that didn’t go as well this year was my finances. My main goal was to save more and spend less. The saving part went well thanks to systems I already had in place, but the spending part… less so. Nothing outrageous, but not as controlled as I’d like. I also have a habit of saying yes to things I probably shouldn’t be spending money on.

Next year, I want to be more mindful of my spending, set a realistic budget, and actually stick to it. That means cutting back on non‑essential expenses and finding more cost‑effective ways to enjoy my passions and social life.

Looking Ahead

There’s a common saying that money can’t buy happiness, and I don't entirely agree with that. Money alone doesn’t guarantee happiness, but financial stability provides a sense of security and freedom that makes everything else easier to enjoy.

With that in mind, my focus for next year will be on building a solid financial foundation while continuing to nurture my relationships and passions.