This year was a lot. I think I started asking if 2025 was over somewhere around mid-January. And while I’m the first person to validate a bad mood, I’m challenging myself to do something a little different: focusing on the joy. Don’t get it twisted — this year sucked, the difficult experiences and negative emotions were all there. But despite the bad, there was actually some good stuff, too. I’m leaning into that today, and by sharing some of the little things that brought me joy this year, I’m hoping you might reflect and find a little of your own.
So, here are 25 things that brought me joy this year (In no particular order, obviously):
1. No Hard Feelings by The Beaches
Most of you know how much I love The Beaches, but their third studio album has brought me a profound amount of joy this year. Even though the singles started dropping back in 2024, the full album finally arrived in August. Despite having half the tracklist on repeat for months, I’m still in my car screaming to Did I Say Too Much. When I think about this year, so much of it was me driving around listening to this album way too loud.
2. My prom-themed birthday party
Even though this feels like a lifetime away, my birthday party was so much fun. Seeing everyone I love in one room, dressed up in their best, dancing, and drinking palomas was so special.
I know you all are probably sick of me sharing these earrings, but sheesh I loved these. Instant dopamine booster.
This exhibition, which featured looks by Jeremy Scott and paintings by Katherine Bernhardt, was so fab I saw it not just once but twice. Oh, and it was free?! Something about seeing so much of Jeremy Scott's work was so exhilarating.
Maybe it was looking at this dress, which I never knew was made out of hair extensions, because the only picture I'd ever seen of it was on Tumblr, or seeing Katy Perry's 2019 Met Gala look, or just the grandiosity of Moschino! I do blame this exhibit for my current Moschino obsession, but the only thing I've added to my collection are some heart-shaped sunglasses, which are a basic!
5. The Every Outfit podcast
My favorite podcast! Every Friday (or every Saturday, there for a moment) is better because I get to listen to Chelsea and Lauren on my way to yoga. From talking about prestige television, film, fashion, Sex and the City, pop culture, and more. I just love listening to these girls!
6. Getting manicures
Who would've guessed that 2025 would be the year that I get my nails done regularly? Normally, I get a manicure with regular nail polish a handful of times. But in October, I started getting gel manicures again. Mainly because there was so much to do, I just didn't have the time or energy to paint my nails, but then I really started to like not having to worry about my nails, and also seeing my nail tech Julie and all the lovely people at my nail salon! Every time I go, I always feel so welcome and special 🥰. My favorite color I got my nails done this year was probably Ochre the Moon (above).
7. My friends from yoga
I've been going to Yoga Patch for a few years now, and the one great thing about being a regular somewhere is the relationships you can build with folks you see often. Familiar faces have turned to friends that have turned into family! Seeing my friends every week, even if all we do is just wave hello across a room, is a joy in itself.
8, Trip to Northwest Arkansas
In September, I went on a trip to Arkansas, which initially didn't go as I had planned. For one, a few days before I left, I got stung on the face by a bee, and the left side of my face swelled up, and I looked like Two-Face. Then, the Airbnb we were staying at fell through, but the great thing is that every twist still led to a memorable and relaxing trip. I got to go inside a Frank Lloyd Wright house. Eat dosa. Relish in little to no thoughts staring above at James Turrell's SkySpace. We broke out Monopoly in our Airbnb in Bella Vista, and never would I have guessed that playing it would be so fun.
9. Projects at home
This year has been a slew of projects. Whether it be researching and investigating a cactus. 2025 was full of silly projects that kept me going. From working with a friend from school to redesign a shirt, or finding someone to reupholster our bar stools (S/o to Threadline, btw. 110% recommend you reach out to Amy), or even framing art. Every little project kept me going. In 2026, I want to create some new cushions for our dining chairs.
10. Seeing my cousins
It's always such a joy to see my family and my cousins. I got to see them in March while we were in Manhattan and then again in July. Time is never enough, but when I think about the year, I think about wandering around with my cousins looking for a spot that would fit us all, watching a movie with my cousin Alvin and his wife Yash, and seeing my cousin Nicole, whom I'm so proud of, and her sweet baby.
11. Swig opening up near my house!
Swig is a drive-through soda chain known for tricked-out sodas. Back in the fall, they opened a Swig right near my apartment, which has been life-changing because sometimes you just need a little treat. Some of my favorites are the Founder with Coke Zero and extra extra lime or Dr. Spice.
12. Walking on the beach in Florida
Back in October, I went to Hollywood, Florida, for a work trip. I started every morning with a walk on the beach, walking aimlessly in one direction, listening to Bon Iver, Maggie Rogers, or Fleetwood Mac. I was amazed at how much better I felt after having my feet in the sand!
13. Board involvement
This year, I joined the board of a local nonprofit dedicated to expanding the reach of mental health services in Kansas City. It has been a privilege to raise awareness and funds alongside such a hardworking staff and a diligent group of fellow board members. I feel incredibly energized by our mission and am proud to play a part in it.
14. Seeing the 40th Anniversary of St. Elmo's Fire in theatre
I know you all are so over me talking about this, but when I heard that they were showing St. Elmo's Fire in theatres for its 40th anniversary, I almost cried. I have so many memories watching this movie at a formative time. To see it in theatres, alongside my friend Taylor, was such a joy. It's so good.
15. Turning Cousin Alvin into a magnet
I got creative with my cousin's Christmas present this year and made him a magnet of himself at one of our favorite theatres in NYC. I outfitted him with a handful of great fits (and coats!). It was a fun project and Alvin loved it =')
16. BAILE INoLVIDABLE by Bad Bunny
Awhile ago I had seen Snoopy dancing to this song on X, and both have brought me so much joy.
19. Thanksgiving at my friend Esther's house and new traditions
The holidays looked different this year. After a season of loss and change, I’ll admit I was dreading Thanksgiving. But despite the shifts, I embraced the changes like a warm family gathering the Sunday prior. Some things stayed the same, like volunteering downtown day of, and a beautiful supper at Sue’s. Black Friday was spent at my dear friend Esther's house and filled with the kind of laughter that heals.
20. My talented friend Jessica's YouTube channel
My dear friend Jessica is so talented and produces all sorts of creative content, but I have felt most connected to her YouTube channel lately. I loved this video she shared about her summer reconnection ritual and, most recently, what's in her purse for a house party.
21. Home
This year, my home has truly been my safe haven. I haven’t had my usual capacity to be out as much or volunteer as much as I normally would, so I’ve leaned into giving back to myself, time to just be. I’ve spent my days lost in books, reading books like First Lie Wins or The Silent Patient, tending to my cacti, and just being among my plants. I’ll be honest: if you cancelled plans with me this year, I might have been sad for a second, but it was quickly followed by a sigh of relief as I went right back to my movie or playing Suika on Switch. It’s been a year of being a homebody.
22. The Muppet Christmas Carol Vinyl
My co-worker Ross is a real gem. I mentioned that I wanted this record on vinyl, and he got it for us for Christmas. Plus, he gifted it to me with ample time to listen to it during the holiday season. Thanks, Ross.
23. My optometrist's dog Emmett
My optometrist has a dog named Emmett, and he is just the sweetest thing. He is constantly lazing around at the shop, and it brings me so much joy to see him and pet him!
24. Bunheads
This was unexpectedly a big ballet year for me, starting with a first-time watch of Bunheads. I have no idea how I missed this show! As an ASP and Gilmore Girls fan, it was such a delight — a perfect, amusing time capsule of the 10s. I found myself rationing the episodes because I just wasn’t ready to say goodbye. Following it up with Étoile, which is fabulous, might I add, was a nice encore.
25. Expressing myself through personal style
Although it hardly made it onto the blog, this was a big year for my personal style. In a year that felt especially trying, getting dressed became a way to reclaim my power and feel like me again. I focused on feeling at home in my body and wearing my clothes. Through a mix of renting, repairing what I already loved, and carefully curated secondhand finds, I found my way, as always, by first getting dressed.
2025 was tough. For so many. So much of what made this year bearable was being surrounded by my people. Thank you for holding me up this year. I feel profoundly grateful to be so well-loved and cared for. I’m hoping 2026 feels a little softer.
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