Happy New Year, everyone.

So, today is the first day of 2026.

I have to say, I’m happy to see the back of 2025. It was challenging — and I think that’s something most people can relate to. But even though it pushed me to my limits, it also taught me a lot.

I struggled massively with my job. I work in healthcare, so I knew it would be tough, but this was a whole new level. I knew I couldn’t stay where I was, but finding another career felt just as overwhelming. I wanted to leave healthcare altogether, but my qualifications limited my options. I felt completely lost. At one point, I was either constantly applying for jobs or seriously considering selling my house and going on the dole.

Then a job came up.
Good money. Full-time. Much more relaxed. But it was still in healthcare, and I probably would not stand a chance.

Then I thought, ‘What have I got to lose?‘

And then the magic happened. I got the job.

That meant I could finally leave my current role. I’ll be earning more than I ever have before, with far less stress than I’m under now. I genuinely didn’t think this would happen for me — but it did.

Another huge part of this year was starting this blog and writing. As someone who’s dyslexic, I worried I’d never be “good enough.” But I took the leap anyway — and it’s gone better than I ever imagined. I never expected anyone else to connect with my writing, so the support I’ve received has meant more to me than I can say. Thank you to all of you.

I have lost loved ones this year — human and furry. It’s been heartbreaking learning how to exist without them. But I’m grateful for my spirituality and for the comfort it brings. Feeling their presence, especially on lonely nights, gives me peace. The grief is still there, of course, but my beliefs help me keep going day to day.

I also took part in my first winter solstice this year, and it was incredible. I struggle with social anxiety, but I took another leap. Being at a women-only event helped me feel safe and empowered. The energy of women of all ages and backgrounds coming together, healing one another — it was truly magical.

This year also taught me that it’s okay to be single.

Dating apps, blind dates — I got hurt, ghosted, and worn down. I reached a point where I felt like giving up completely, blaming myself and feeling not good enough. I was scared at first, especially as I’m not getting any younger. But in truth, being alone helped me find myself again.

I stopped wearing a mask to fit into someone else’s world and started accepting my own. Strangely, I’m grateful for those failed dates and disappearing men. They made me realise that while maybe I was part of the problem, it was because I wasn’t putting myself first. I was bending to suit others who wouldn’t do the same for me.

Now I know: I will accept myself fully. And if someone comes along, great — but I won’t chase, shrink, or change who I am.

I also had to cut a lot of people out of my life this year. Some were toxic. Others were tied to things that were no longer healthy for me. Some decisions were necessary; others were heartbreaking. I loved them, and I left without hate — but our story had ended.

When I was at my lowest, I noticed who checked in. Who noticed I wasn’t okay. Who noticed when I disappeared. It was only a handful of people — and those are the ones I’ve kept close. I stopped running after people. If they wanted me there, they would have shown it. To move into a peaceful 2026, I had to leave the rest behind in 2025.

I also stepped away from social media. I even wrote about how scary that felt at the time. But honestly, it was harming my mental health. Hours of doom-scrolling. Hours of comparison. Trying to be someone I’m not. One evening, I deleted everything — even my personal profiles — and it felt freeing.

I stopped comparing.
I stopped performing.
I stepped away from the noise telling me who to be and how to be it.

I don’t know what’s happening in that world anymore — and I’m okay with that. I don’t think I’ll go back. No TikTok. No Instagram. No Facebook.

I’ll write how I want — rules or not.
I’ll look how I want — without comparison.
And I’ll never use a filter to make myself look “better” for anyone else.

I accept myself, as I am.

For 2026, I hope to keep writing, start my new job, say goodbye to my old one, embrace whatever adventures come my way, and live a drama-free, peaceful, gentle year.

I hope everyone reading this finds the same love, freedom, and peace in 2026 that they deserve.

The snake has shed its skin —
and now the horse enters, carrying us all toward freedom.