The transition from one year to the next often invites reflection, but some years demand it more than others. Moving from 2025, the Year of the Snake, into 2026, the Year of the Horse, feels symbolic in a deeply personal way. The Snake is associated with introspection, shedding old skin, and quiet transformation. The Horse, by contrast, represents movement, freedom, confidence, and forward momentum.

For me, 2025 was a year of survival, reflection, and internal struggle. It wasn’t easy, and it certainly wasn’t polished. But it was honest. And as difficult as it was, it laid the foundation for something new. As 2026 begins, I’m not rushing ahead blindly—I’m stepping forward intentionally, with clarity, self-compassion, and hope.

This post is a reflection on what 2025 taught me, what it took from me, what it gave me, and how I’m choosing to approach 2026 differently.

2025: The Year That Tested Me

There’s no way to sugarcoat it—2025 was hard.

It was one of those years where everything feels heavy at once. The kind of year where you’re functioning on the outside but quietly struggling on the inside. The Year of the Snake is said to be one of inner work and transformation, and that couldn’t feel more accurate.

Struggling With My Mental Health

Much of 2025 was defined by my mental health struggles. There were periods of anxiety, low motivation, and emotional exhaustion that made even simple things feel overwhelming. I spent a lot of time feeling disconnected—from myself, from others, and from the version of life I thought I “should” be living.

Mental health struggles don’t always look dramatic. Sometimes they look like going through the motions while feeling completely stuck. That was me for much of the year.

Feeling Lost and Behind in Life

One of the most painful parts of 2025 was the constant comparison.

I found myself looking at my friends—moving out of their parents’ homes, getting engaged, having children, building careers—and feeling like I was standing still. It felt like everyone else had a clear roadmap while I was stuck at the starting line, unsure which direction to take.

That feeling of being “behind” in life is heavy. It creates shame, self-doubt, and a constant internal pressure to catch up—even when you don’t know what you’re chasing.

Hating My Job but Feeling Trapped

Another major source of unhappiness was my job.

I hated it. It drained me emotionally and mentally, but I felt stuck. The fear of leaving without a backup plan, the pressure to be “grateful,” and the uncertainty of what came next kept me frozen.

That sense of being trapped—knowing something isn’t right but feeling unable to change it—is exhausting. It seeped into every part of my life and made it harder to imagine a future I actually wanted.

The Good That Still Found Its Way In

As hard as 2025 was, it wasn’t without its light. In fact, some of the most meaningful decisions of my life came from this difficult year.

Choosing to Study English Literature and Language

One of the best decisions I made in 2025 was choosing to study English literature and language at university.

English has been something I’ve loved since childhood—books, words, storytelling, expression. Choosing this course felt like choosing myself. It wasn’t about practicality or expectations. It was about reconnecting with something that has always felt like home.

That decision reminded me that it’s okay to follow what you love, even if it doesn’t look like everyone else’s path.

Saving Enough to Leave My Job

After feeling trapped for so long, I did something that scared me—I saved enough money to leave my job, and I understand that I am so fortunate to be in the position to be able to do this.

This wasn’t impulsive. It was intentional. It gave me the space to breathe, to think, and to imagine a future that didn’t revolve around survival. Giving myself time to find a job I actually want felt like reclaiming control over my life.

It was one of the first times I chose my well-being over fear.

Traveling to Salou, Montserrat, and Barcelona

Travel was one of the few moments in 2025 where I felt truly present.

Visiting Salou, Montserrat, and Barcelona gave me perspective. It reminded me that the world is bigger than my worries, and that life exists beyond routines and responsibilities.

Montserrat, especially, felt grounding—quiet, reflective, and expansive in a way that helped me reconnect with myself.

Starting This Blog

Near the end of 2025, I did something that had been sitting in the back of my mind for a long time—I started this blog.

It terrified me. Putting my thoughts, reflections, and creativity into the world felt deeply vulnerable. But it also felt right. This blog is an extension of my love for writing, storytelling, wellness, and honest self-reflection.

Starting it wasn’t about perfection. It was about courage.

Putting Myself Out There on Social Media

Alongside the blog, I pushed myself even further by starting TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest pages.

This was another fear I had to face—being seen. Sharing content, connecting with people, and becoming part of the TikTok community helped me feel less alone. It reminded me that there are others navigating similar struggles, searching for gentler ways to live.

That connection has meant more to me than I expected.

Moving Into 2026: The Year of the Horse

If 2025 was about shedding old skin, 2026 is about movement.

The Year of the Horse symbolizes freedom, independence, and forward momentum. That’s exactly the energy I want to carry into this year—not rushed, but intentional.

My Goals for Making 2026 a Better Year

Rather than rigid resolutions, my goals for 2026 are rooted in mindset shifts, self-care, and personal growth.

Choosing Myself Over Other People’s Opinions

One of my biggest goals is to stop living through the lens of other people’s expectations.

I want to start asking:

• What do I want?
• What feels right for me?
• What aligns with my values?

What others think of me is not my business—and learning to truly believe that is one of the most freeing things I can do.

Spending Time Alone Without Fear

In 2026, I want to be more present with myself.

That means:

• Going on solo dates
• Taking solo walks
• Sitting with my thoughts without distraction

Being alone doesn’t have to mean being lonely. I want to learn how to enjoy my own company and treat it as something nourishing rather than uncomfortable.

Focusing on My Future

For the first time in a long while, I’m asking myself what I want my future to look like—not what it should look like.

• What kind of life do I want to build?
• What does fulfillment mean to me?
• What pace do I want to live at?

These questions feel empowering rather than scary now.

Creating Routines That Truly Take Care of Me

Self-care in 2026 isn’t surface-level.

I want routines that support my physical and mental health:

• Consistent sleep
• Nourishing food
• Gentle movement
• Mental health check-ins
• Creative time

Taking care of myself properly isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

Getting Out of the House and Saying Yes to Life

Another goal is to get out of the house more.

I want to:

• Go on more adventures
• Be more spontaneous
• Explore new places
• Stop being afraid of getting lost—physically and metaphorically

Some of the best moments happen when you don’t have a plan.

Final Thoughts: Carrying 2025 Forward Without Letting It Define Me

2025 challenged me, but it didn’t break me.

It taught me resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of choosing myself—even when it’s uncomfortable. Moving into 2026, I’m not pretending the past didn’t happen. I’m carrying the lessons forward while releasing the weight.

This is my Year of the Horse. A year of movement, courage, and quiet confidence.

And if you’re stepping into a new year feeling uncertain, behind, or exhausted—know that you’re not alone. Growth doesn’t always look loud. Sometimes it looks like staying, healing, and beginning again.

As I step into 2026 with more intention and self-compassion, I’m curious—
What is one thing you’re choosing to leave behind from 2025, and what do you hope to carry forward into the new year?

If you feel comfortable, I’d love for you to share your thoughts in the comments 🤍