Taking a train back to this time last year, I was relieved to finally see the back end of 2024. The second half of that year was one of the hardest periods for me, and whilst I had some vague aspirations to travel, I had no idea where to begin.

The days were supposed to be getting longer, but anyone from the UK knows that January feels darker than December. With Christmas lights removed, all that remained were empty streets beneath an unapologetically grey sky.

As many of my friends continued to study, get fantastic jobs, and be in healthy relationships, I spent the first month of 2025 filled with shame, taking each day as it came.

But how is it possible to start shimmering when our environment grows ever more glum?

Jumping to now, I am still not where I want to be. But life proves it can take unexpected turns, for better or worse. Often, these are beyond our control, so we should be mindful of that to gain clarity about what we can control. And that is where growth occurs.

Surviving a year is a form of growth in itself:

Sometimes we may have the best hopes, dreams, and plans for the future. Yet in some years, the things that crop up beyond our control are heavier than others.

Navigating the challenges life throws at us can be a greater achievement than getting a promotion at work. Healing from trauma, dealing with loss, and breaking up with someone who isn’t right for you all take strength and courage.

Similarly, the seemingly little things still entail learning and growth. Living with housemates and doing your own food shop gets much easier as time goes on. Whilst most of us have had to show up for a job we dislike that pays the bills- and that, too, is a form of endurance.

Just because someone else wants something, it doesn’t mean it’s for you:

This time of year, there is always someone wanting to lose weight or give up drinking. I recognise that these benefit some, though they are not areas I need to, or wish to, focus on.

But I will be travelling. And as I will continue encouraging others to travel, I understand that travel is not for everyone. Many have different priorities, whilst long-term travel is not attainable for everyone.

We are all on different paths, have different circumstances, and have faced our own set of challenges. So why spend so much time comparing ourselves to others?

Marketing that makes us feel inadequate:

At the best of times, I don’t particularly enjoy shopping for skincare or makeup. I will go in for something that I want, and then suddenly I think I need false eyelashes, a new product, or a bikini wax.

Shopping at the New Year is even worse. So many are beginning new hobbies, getting really fit, or these days, probably getting Ozempic injections. Growth couldn’t be more different from feeling deficient because we failed to live up to the expectations ingrained into us by some brand.

Humans are like plants with emotions:

The rate and way plants grow vary depending on the time of year. When it is sunny, plants bloom. But even in winter, when plants rarely flower, they still need to be cared for.

Self-care sometimes looks like coping with a difficult time. Other times, it involves engaging with something adventurous, learning, and intentionally pushing ourselves outside our comfort zones.

Thankfully, 2025 was a much better year, primarily because there was barely any drama.  The calmness allowed me to push myself in a way that I wanted.

‘But I just travel’

I acknowledge that I am incredibly fortunate in having the freedom to travel. I feared that my choice would leave me ‘amounting to nothing’.

But within the past six months, I have learned so much about myself, others, and the world around me. Knowledge that no textbook could ever teach.

The way that our culture showcases ‘success’ is incredibly rigid. Yet success is so broad and differs from person to person. 

Rethinking New Year’s resolutions

I used to set specific targets. Me being me, a few days into the year, these had all been forgotten about. I almost gave up entirely.

Regardless of what our Christmas periods entail, they tend to give us a break from our usual routines (although not necessarily a break in general). The combination of this and its annual repetition often leads me to reflect.

A pat on the back is essential for everything we have managed. Whilst thinking about what’s next sometimes comes naturally. There are no more rigid goals; they only come when needed.

Pinterest boards, playlists, and even sharing plans with friends all help a lot. New Year’s can be a time for reflection, but sometimes these periods happen sporadically.

Happy New Year!

A little late, but I am excited for what 2026 entails. I’m excited to travel through Australia, Europe, and hopefully beyond.

How do you feel about New Year’s? Please let me know in the comments.