Finishing another year around the sun always brings a level of apprehension. What will my resolution be this year? Did I do enough last year? Have has my life moved forward at all? Did I do everything that I wanted to do? These are the sorts of questions that usually haunt me. But not this time.

Honestly, this has been one of the best Christmas periods of my life and I’ve been fortunate to have quite a few. It’s been different to previous years but I finally had a chance to slow down after Christmas. December itself was a pretty chaotic month but the past week has been great.

There’s been a lot of time for reflection which is what we all need.

Looking back at 2025, I set myself a lot of goals. I wanted to write and publish two books. I wanted to create more online courses. I wanted to enrol in online courses. I wanted to work on my SEO and marketing for my business. I wanted to get fit. I wanted to focus on my creative outlets like photography. I wanted to go somewhere new every month. I wanted to read at least a book every week. Honestly, the list goes on.

Every year, I fall into the trap of adding more and more onto my list but this is the first year I’ve truly hit pause on practically everything. In fact, that’s why I started this blog. A sort of anonymous, creative outlet that has no other purpose than the freedom to express myself.

So looking back, I achieved quite a lot. I did develop my fitness journey. I bought a bike and went on a few trails, as well as more standard exercises but I didn’t manage to stay consistent. I managed to write and publish the two books (Henry’s Home and The Meet Cute Curse). I did an accounting course. I created another online courses and business bundles. I took photos whenever I busted new places and I did manage to visit a few new places in the UK (although not every month).

By the end of the year though, I faced extreme burnout. Although I managed to complete goals and even had a few new adventures along the way, it didn’t actually help me enjoy my life anymore. I didn’t feel fulfilled, I felt stressed. I couldn’t cope with my emotions or any kind of additional stresses which isn’t exactly a good place to be.

This year, the pressure is off. I’m taking 2026 as another gap year. When I first struggled with anxiety, I ended up taking a gap year before going to university as I needed the time to figure myself out. That was probably one of the best year’s of my life despite the anxiety struggles. I was out of the rat race. I didn’t have anything else to focus on, except being the best version of myself (and spending time with my rescue dog, Henry).

Obviously, as a grown adult, money does play a factor but I’m fortunate enough to have a job. The issue is that I’d like my own business to be my main source of income but that’s just not happening. I do believe everything happens for a reason, but it’s thrown a spanner in the works of my life plans. However, that has left me with the freedom to actually stop trying to push it.

I’ve lost myself over the last few years and now is the time to find myself again.

2026 is going to be a year of wonder and adventure. I will only work on the stuff I’m inspired too and without putting the pressure of deadlines on myself. I won’t fixate on marketing my business because it clearly isn’t time. Instead, I can use that time to go back to writing songs, making music, messing around, etc.

The new year has brought about a time of focus for me – but a focus on being myself and what fulfils my soul. Not only focusing on success.

If you’ve read this far, I’d love to know what your vision for 2026 is. Have you fallen into a similar trap as I have in the past? But also what positive things did 2025 bring you that you’re grateful for?