Another year has absolutely sprinted past us, leaving 2025 in a cloud of nostalgic dust bunnies. I swear, the older you get, the faster the Earth spins. Though it was marked by slow, sometimes painful moments, it was also sprinkled with moments of pure, sparkling joy. It’s now making a swift exit, propelled by the new year, 2026, much like a parent bird nudges a chick from the nest, hoping for the best. 2025, despite its shaky, fearful start, managed to find its footing and persevere.
Now, as it reaches its final moments, 2025 is ready to pass the baton, giving 2026 a motivational send-off as we prepare to welcome it.
As the calendar pages turn, 2025 draws to a close, leaving me standing on the threshold of 2026. The journey through this past year has been a brutal one, culminating in a pervasive sense of exhaustion that settles deep in my bones and an emotional landscape that feels well and truly shattered. Yet, amidst the rubble of what was, there is an overpowering, profound sense of gratitude. I am deeply thankful to have made it through the relentless storms that defined the last twelve months.
To greet another year is a gift I don’t take lightly. The tapestry of my life continues to grow and change: the family circle expands with new joy and new challenges, while the constellation of friends shifts—some drift away quietly, and new, unexpected lights enter the orbit. There are still places beckoning, adventures waiting to be had, and a sense of fierce, defiant survival. Despite the wear and tear, the trials and the tribulations, I can still look out at the horizon and declare: I ain’t dead yet. And for that continued breath, that flicker of spirit, I am profoundly grateful.
While my family and friends deserve my sincere appreciation, I must reserve my deepest gratitude this year for the strangers I met. Even the briefest interactions with them brought joy—well, most of them; it’s not like I live in some idyllic, perfect neighbourhood, whatever that is.
I was held up at the local supermarket checkout for what felt like an eternity. I couldn’t remember my PIN and, compounding the issue, I couldn’t find where I’d hidden it in my phone’s notes—it was as if I was hiding it from myself! Despite this frustrating delay, the strangers queuing patiently behind me showed remarkable kindness. I’m honestly surprised they didn’t try to lynch me for taking so long.
I was rushing off the train when a kind woman hurried after me. I’d accidentally left one of my belongings behind, and she returned it to me.
I delivered a parcel to a stranger’s house a few streets away after a driver had mistakenly left it at my door.
Despite a few isolated incidents, like the reckless driver who dangerously cut me off on my bike and an aggressive individual online who insists on using all-caps insults, I maintain a positive, if occasionally bewildered, view of humanity.I believe acts of kindness are far more prevalent than we are often led to believe. I’ll simply trust that those two individuals will eventually have their own encounter with Karma.
Well, 2026, let’s see if you can top the chaotic mess that was last year. Fingers crossed you’re less ‘dumpster fire’ and more ‘slightly burnt toast.’ Humanity, remember to keep your compassion levels high—it’s the only thing that distracts from the impending existential dread!
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