life
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.
25 Things That Actually Brought Me Joy This Year
December 30, 2025
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.
Twenty-something girls vs. thirty-something women, it's a concept and an episode of Sex and the City that's been on my mind these past couple of years. But only recently, as I've been transitioning to a new decade, has the meaning behind that episode really sunk in. My twenties started off innocuously. I had a few hiccups, but by 25, I had a full-blown quarter-life crisis during COVID. So, I had written my twenties off as the worst. I experienced the most self-doubt, insecurity, and debilitating uncertainty in myself between the ages of 25-27. Getting out of that headspace required a lot of help, from doctors, friends, family, coworkers, and grace that I needed to extend to myself.
30 for 30 in Pink
May 10, 2025
Twenty-something girls vs. thirty-something women, it's a concept and an episode of Sex and the City that's been on my mind these past couple of years. But only recently, as I've been transitioning to a new decade, has the meaning behind that episode really sunk in. My twenties started off innocuously. I had a few hiccups, but by 25, I had a full-blown quarter-life crisis during COVID. So, I had written my twenties off as the worst. I experienced the most self-doubt, insecurity, and debilitating uncertainty in myself between the ages of 25-27. Getting out of that headspace required a lot of help, from doctors, friends, family, coworkers, and grace that I needed to extend to myself.
As I reflect on 2024, I can't help but see it as a year of restoration for me. A year of bringing my life back into a state of equilibrium, a place where I feel like myself again. But this version of me is different, stronger, having weathered the monsoon that was my life, exacerbated by COVID, but now it finally feels like a turning point has happened.
Looking back, 2024 has been less tumultuous than previous years in my twenties. It was a year to enjoy the seeds I've sowed these past four years. The constants remained – seeing live music, witnessing art, and investing time into cherished friendships (old and new).
It was the first year without my grandfather, Michael, a year of learning to live with the absence while also embracing the beauty of change and new beginnings. I said goodbye to my sanctuary for the past three years and moved into a space that is even more comforting and comes with the most healing love I've ever experienced. I said goodbye to a job that I felt so comfortable at, but had outgrown. Instead embarking on an entirely new opportunity. And while New York City remains my beloved home away from home, this year, I prioritized discovering new horizons.
And when the insecurity sinks in about all my choices, and it does, I think what I reflect on is this: the future is uncertain. No matter what one may try to convince you no one truly knows where their path will lead. We have some control though to do the best we can with what we know at the time and when things get too comfortable and start to feel stagnant, we can embrace change, pack up our closet, and take the road less travelled. To quote Robert Frost, "I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."
This is the first year in a very long time that I have felt less optimistic about the year ahead. It is also the first year an intention or word hasn't come to me. There is still time. There is always time.
Regaining My Center
December 31, 2024
As I reflect on 2024, I can't help but see it as a year of restoration for me. A year of bringing my life back into a state of equilibrium, a place where I feel like myself again. But this version of me is different, stronger, having weathered the monsoon that was my life, exacerbated by COVID, but now it finally feels like a turning point has happened.
Looking back, 2024 has been less tumultuous than previous years in my twenties. It was a year to enjoy the seeds I've sowed these past four years. The constants remained – seeing live music, witnessing art, and investing time into cherished friendships (old and new).
It was the first year without my grandfather, Michael, a year of learning to live with the absence while also embracing the beauty of change and new beginnings. I said goodbye to my sanctuary for the past three years and moved into a space that is even more comforting and comes with the most healing love I've ever experienced. I said goodbye to a job that I felt so comfortable at, but had outgrown. Instead embarking on an entirely new opportunity. And while New York City remains my beloved home away from home, this year, I prioritized discovering new horizons.
And when the insecurity sinks in about all my choices, and it does, I think what I reflect on is this: the future is uncertain. No matter what one may try to convince you no one truly knows where their path will lead. We have some control though to do the best we can with what we know at the time and when things get too comfortable and start to feel stagnant, we can embrace change, pack up our closet, and take the road less travelled. To quote Robert Frost, "I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."
This is the first year in a very long time that I have felt less optimistic about the year ahead. It is also the first year an intention or word hasn't come to me. There is still time. There is always time.
Last year around this time, I read an article in the Wall Street Journal called, "The Bright Side of 2022" by Zachary Karabell. One line in particular stood out to me. "Much will continue to go tragically and spectacularly wrong, but that shouldn’t keep us recognizing and celebrating all that goes right." I think this year has been hallmarked by that line, and in that vein, I want to start this post differently than I normally do, with all that has gone right.
Ciao, 2023!
December 31, 2023
Last year around this time, I read an article in the Wall Street Journal called, "The Bright Side of 2022" by Zachary Karabell. One line in particular stood out to me. "Much will continue to go tragically and spectacularly wrong, but that shouldn’t keep us recognizing and celebrating all that goes right." I think this year has been hallmarked by that line, and in that vein, I want to start this post differently than I normally do, with all that has gone right.
2022, two years into the pandemic, the after, and this year has looked, well, different? Life has been more consistent, but at the same time there are still fault lines in my life and in the world that keep me up at night. This year has been wild and trying.
Not easy but worth it 2022
December 31, 2022
2022, two years into the pandemic, the after, and this year has looked, well, different? Life has been more consistent, but at the same time there are still fault lines in my life and in the world that keep me up at night. This year has been wild and trying.
Back in April I was walking back to my friend Steph's home and we were talking about how, like many, I felt like I've lost a year of my life due to the pandemic. I told her I was turning 25 again. Steph looked at me and said, "What if, instead, you make this year the best year yet." As I reflect on this year that moment with Steph sticks out.
Goodbye 2021
December 29, 2021
Back in April I was walking back to my friend Steph's home and we were talking about how, like many, I felt like I've lost a year of my life due to the pandemic. I told her I was turning 25 again. Steph looked at me and said, "What if, instead, you make this year the best year yet." As I reflect on this year that moment with Steph sticks out.
These past couple weeks have been tumultuous, to say at the least. I hope wherever you are friends that you are staying well during this crazy time. I wanted to share a few things that are keeping me sane during this chaos.
Nowhere to be but home
March 22, 2020
These past couple weeks have been tumultuous, to say at the least. I hope wherever you are friends that you are staying well during this crazy time. I wanted to share a few things that are keeping me sane during this chaos.
2019 was a challenging year for me. I said goodbye to relationships that were no longer bringing me joy. Cried a lot. Started anew. GRADUATED with my Master's Degree in Business Administration, yo! Asked for help. Practiced yoga for the first time in almost 2 years. Spent the most time in a long time with my friends. Pushed myself out of my comfort zone. Sparked joy.
Thank U Next, 2019
December 22, 2019
2019 was a challenging year for me. I said goodbye to relationships that were no longer bringing me joy. Cried a lot. Started anew. GRADUATED with my Master's Degree in Business Administration, yo! Asked for help. Practiced yoga for the first time in almost 2 years. Spent the most time in a long time with my friends. Pushed myself out of my comfort zone. Sparked joy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
