The new year is a big time for those like me- sentimentalists, planners, hopeful Type As who are not yet weary of the world. It is not enough to greet the new year at midnight, drunk off champagne and giddy. I want to make room for the year ahead and all of its promise while tenderly reflecting on the transformative year of 2025. I was inspired by Arden Yum over at Ad Hoc who wrote, “Luck happens upon us all the time, but we can only appreciate it if we pay attention and resolve to remember.”
Before we begin, I want to acknowledge that 2025 was not perfect. It was a year of devastation and uncertainty alongside beauty and delight. In late spring we lost a young family member. Her death continues to shape how I approach my days. I refuse to wait on the “right time” to allow myself joy; the right time never comes when you need it. I hope to embrace pleasure even in the gutter, even when my chest feels hollow and my hands have gone numb.
For 2026 and beyond, I don’t intend to place my hopes at the altar of something as fickle as the future.
My Monthly Highlights of 2025
January | He popped the question
Me and my childhood friend got engaged. It set the tone for the year, one of momentum and abundance. We took photos in an old photobooth at our favorite independent cinema. It was a rare winter where Georgia received snow! I even got a week of paid leave out of it.
February | Literally making moves
We moved to an area we always dreamed of relocating to but never thought we could afford it. Being so close to ITP has its benefits, some of which are being closer to yummy bakeries and cozy bookstores and our favorite Indian buffet.
March | Jinkies! We’re 29!
Me and my husband threw our first party at the new pad. It was a joint birthday party (our birthdays are four days apart) with a Scooby-doo/70s theme. The menu included crawfish, subs, pizza, and a saccharine punch made of Blue Curaçao that made me sick. I’ve written about my love of themed gatherings, and I don’t foresee the silly train derailing any time soon.
April | God bless women
Occasional intimate dinner parties with the girls kept me sane. Gossip, fresh produce, and indulgent bites. What more could I ask for?
May | Eurospring & loss
May was both breathtaking and earthshattering. My husband and I traveled to Europe for the first time. We visited Copenhagen, Oslo, and two areas in Greece- Athens and Hydra. I’ve been obsessed with Greek myths since third grade, and this trip was a pilgrimage to the Parthenon. I’m proud of myself for planning such an expansive trip with few hiccups. We managed 4 different flights, overnight layovers, a ferry, and several trains in just 6 days. It was hectic bliss. But once we returned home we crashed headfirst into a cruel new reality.
June | Twilight girlies never grow up
Adult me got to do something that teenage me wouldn’t believe. I visited Forks, Washington + Seattle with two of my closest friends. The trip was an adventure before we ever stepped foot in the Pacific Northwest thanks to a disastrous departing flight. Alaska Airlines, I’m looking at you… But our friendship prevailed! And we even got to meet Chuckesmee because of our perseverance.
July | Party down
Two of my friends threw me the most me bachelorette. The day was complete with hot yoga for one, a stunning brunch, day drinking (and night drinking), karaoke, a fancy dinner, and being devoid of all senses in a gen z club. I remember early college when I thought I was incapable of forging new friendships. I felt utterly alone, untethered to anyone outside of my partner. My bachelorette was a joyous occasion that hammered home how lucky I am to have genuine friendships in my life.
A once lonely person will never take community for granted.
August | I’m Flat Tired’s biggest fan
This month was a stressful blur focused on wedding prep. Oh, and a band my husband is part of, Flat Tired, was chosen as one of three local bands for the second-ever Atlanta Braves Spencer Strider Vinyl Night. Good stuff.
September | Got hitched
I married (eloped? It was an intimate ceremony with an untraditional reception) my high school sweetheart on the rooftop of a historical hotel. My best friend married us. She’s now saved in my phone as “Reverend”.
October | Thank god for SSRIs
October was a mindfuck. The government shutdown really threw a wrench in our plans. Besides that, my ticket plug hooked me up with free tickets to see Aly & Aj (thanks, Blake!). They sounded incredible and were hotter than ever. Turns out Potential Breakup Song is even more powerful when you’re nearly 30. Later that month, our good friends threw a Halloween party where I got to honor my horror mom and dad.
November | Getting writerly & tipsy
I joined a writing challenge and ended up with 50,000 words towards a shitty first draft. I intend to finish the draft in January. Equally exciting, I went to Chomp and Stomp and got a pic with Prisoner 24601. Les Misérables + Marie Antoinette + liquor + chili? Say less.
December | A very northeast Xmas
My jet-setting friend A has inspired me to travel more. We actually have a Brazil trip on the books for 2026. So in December I booked two weekend domestic trips. I took a solo flight to visit my other friend who lives in New York. We rushed Broadway tickets (my first show) and ate too much Chinese food. She introduced me to her city friends at karaoke and I was relieved that they didn’t hate me by the end of the night!
Two weeks later my husband and I did a weekend trip to Salem + Boston. I love the macabre and have dreamt of visiting Salem for years. I’m so thankful we did not go in October. It was the perfect blend of our interests: spooky, historical, and a touch of cringe. My favorite part was getting my aura read.
Although a witch in Salem told me I’m psychic (!!!), I don’t know what 2026 has in store. All I know is that I will try my best to embrace joy and rest. If you read this and played a part in shaping my 2025 to be the year that it was, thank you.
What was the most surprising part of 2025? What do you look forward to in 2026?
We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
Your gift of word is a gift for us all! So grateful I got to share so many amazing memories with you this year, and can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store!