Another year, another blessing. I’m incredibly grateful for this life and for everyone in it. This year was a mix of wins, losses, and lessons, and I want to look back on them through this entry—month by month, moment by moment.
January
I started the year with a grateful heart, largely because of the many wonderful things that happened in 2024. But January taught me something deeper: the importance of being upfront and honest—with myself, and especially with others. There was something I had been holding back since late 2024, and in January 2025, I finally found the courage to open up to the person concerned. It was a difficult conversation, but it was a necessary one.
February
I attended Anna Akana’s show—someone I’ve been supporting since 2018 for her psychological insights and YouTube content. I’m incredibly grateful because I got to speak with her dad, who was so kind and down-to-earth. He even told me that Anna was coming to pick them up so I could take a photo. And yes—I got that picture. She was the highlight of my February, and I’m still smiling about it.
March
I almost drowned in a 15-foot pool. The incident shook me deeply—I even had bad dreams about it and found myself dreaming of pool tiles in my sleep. But what I’m most proud of is that I didn’t let fear define the aftermath. I chose to move forward. I didn’t let that one incident stop me from swimming. I’m no professional swimmer, but I’m a determined learner—and that matters to me.
April
I’ve always had an on-and-off relationship with working out. Since 2024, I’d mostly been exercising at home, at the oval, or in the pool. This month, I decided to commit by signing up for a gym and pool membership. My logic was simple: if I paid for it, I wouldn’t want to waste it. So I joined the Crimson Hotel gym and pool, and I’m genuinely happy with this step. It felt like choosing consistency over excuses.
May
I was supposed to take my certification exam this month, but life had other plans. My boyfriend got sick the night before the exam, and I had to accept that I wouldn’t be able to take it. I couldn’t reschedule for free—my appeal was rejected, follow-ups went unanswered, and the retake fee was just too costly. It was disappointing, yes—but what mattered most was that my boyfriend recovered. And who knows? Maybe this happened for a reason.
June
Since I was no longer studying, I decided to focus more on my health. I stopped using a food scale—the kitchen one used for weighing meals. After nearly a year of measuring portions, I felt ready to trust myself. I challenged myself to eyeball my portions instead of weighing and logging everything. It was a quiet but meaningful step towards a healthier relationship with food.
July
My highlight this month was a quick trip to Davao City. I finally saw our forever home in person, and the excitement was real. I also spent time with my boyfriend’s family and their dogs. I’m deeply grateful for how kind they are to me. I’ve always wanted a sense of family—and I have a feeling it might be them.
August
This month had two major highlights.
First, I travelled abroad for the first time. I won’t name the country, but what made it special was how it happened. During one break, a teammate shared their travel experience, and I casually said I hadn’t been outside the country. Half-jokingly, I suggested we travel as a team—and to my surprise, everyone agreed. Drawings can be coloured, after all. I’m incredibly grateful that my first international trip was with colleagues who made it unforgettable.
Second: I had my hair rebonded. My curly hair has always been my trademark—people know me for it. For years, I was adamant about never straightening it. But this time? No regrets. My boyfriend witnessed how ridiculously happy I was just brushing straight hair. It’s easier. Life felt easier. Sometimes, change really is that simple.
September
I travelled again—wow. Looking back, I still can’t believe I had the budget for it. I visited places I never imagined I’d see and truly made the most of my two-week holiday. I also got older this month, and for that alone, I feel incredibly lucky. I’m grateful to still be here, grateful for my life, and grateful for every blessing—big or small. They make my life exactly the way I like it.
October
I travelled again—this time to my favourite city in the Philippines: Baguio City. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, it did. I’m deeply grateful for the chance to experience these places at this stage of my life. I know I’ll carry these memories with me when I’m older.
November
This month was full of milestones. I celebrated my fifth work anniversary—and I also handed in my resignation letter. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity I had at work and for the people I met along the way. They were fun, kind, and amazing. This was the healthiest workplace I’ve ever been part of—no toxicity, just growth. If things had aligned differently with my future plans, I would have stayed. I’ll always treasure what I learned there.
We also got our first car this month. I remember posting about wanting one on this platform not too long ago, and I’m grateful we took our time choosing. What we ended up with feels just right—and that makes me incredibly thankful.
December
I started a new job at a US law firm. I’m genuinely grateful for this opportunity and for the new people I’ve met. I hope everything works out, and I’m excited to learn new things. I also hope this is a role I can grow into—one that grows with me.
My 2025 was a mix of ups and downs, but above all, it was a year I’m deeply grateful for. I know I still have so much to learn and improve on, and I’m thankful that life keeps teaching me—sometimes gently, sometimes not.
Here’s to 2026. Bring it on.