Tis Me Michelle

Last year, my recap was titled ‘She Strived to Thrive… And Barely Survived‘. And this year feels like a part 2 or 3… Or maybe the never-ending cycle. I’ve been doing my usual reflection, and for the most part, this past year has felt like a blob of nothing. For the last few years, I’d been focusing on ‘pillars’, but have I been? I’m not too sure. It honestly feels like I keep letting myself down. Let’s see how I ended off…

Finances: Over the past year, I had some big milestones, which is a win. I finally paid off my college loans and my car. I haven’t been saving that extra cash flow very well, but it is nice not to have to think about those anymore. My mortgage may go on for the rest of my life. I’ve added a bit more to the principal payments and am trying to invest some of the money I had been putting into the loans in my portfolio. I just have a little in the basic stocks. My day-to-day spending habits can definitely be improved, though.

Health: My workouts have gotten scarce. As usual, this time of year, I enjoy walking outside. The weather has been great, and whether it’s just solo walks or taking the doggo for longer walks, it’s perfect. I recently wrapped up my last few ClassPass classes. I started the year strong with the app, and dwindled over the year. Similar to last year, this time, I cancelled my membership, like I did with Planet Fitness.

I’m not sure what the plan will be for next year. Actually, I don’t think I will be planning for next year. I am still interested in finding what works for me. A mixture of healthier eating and movement that I enjoy. It is much easier said than done.

Career: Each and every year, I realize more and more that my job is a means for income versus a thing I want to learn and grow in. Maybe if this career proved otherwise earlier on, I would still be invested. But a decade in and still feeling like the bottom of the barrel. I do still show up the best I can. What I hope is to not tie my value so closely with the job. It’s hard not to want to do well, be successful, and feel valued.

I don’t know what the future holds. I just hope I get closer to a job that fulfills me, and I don’t feel I have to stay in a job for financial security.

Relationships: I am as single as ever. And I am okay with it. As much as I’d like to one day fall in love and have a family, I don’t want to rush it. Continuing to focus on my health mentioned above, and my mental health is more important right now. I started therapy a few months ago, and that is something I hope to keep going. Hopefully, that will help me manage and understand myself and my relationships better.

Life: Earlier this year, I attempted an art class, and it was not my favorite. I haven’t really kept up with art in general much this year. A few things here and there, but I have been thinking about painting again for a while. I wish I didn’t put pressure on myself to be ‘good’. And simply do it because I know I always enjoy it.

There were a few artsy activities I enjoyed. Specifically, the ring glass blowing class I took in London. It was new and interesting, and I fully went into a flow for 2+ hours. That was also probably my favorite trip of the year. I didn’t plan on it, but it ended up being a well-traveled year. Not without some debacles, but still some great trips.

Even though one of the trips this year was to Paris, I still didn’t get any closer to being fluent in French. After all these years, you’d think I’d be at native fluency… But here I am still at a pre-k level. And still, I managed to get around Paris just fine!

2025 was not the year I hoped for. It wasn’t bad. It wasn’t great. Just a bit lackluster and deflating. Each year, I expect things to click and fall into place. Maybe I’m putting too much pressure on everything all at once. And to relieve some of that pressure. I will not be doing these next year.

How did 2025 fare out for you?!