There is always a lot to think about at the end of the year. This was often a time when I felt very alone as a child, like I was missing out on some grand celebration that everyone else got to experience. As I got older, I realized a lot of people feel similarly lost, as the start of a new year cannot be stopped.

However, I find a lot of beauty and comfort in that none of have control over time.

We can always locate the negatives in change, but we can also look back and see all that can be achieved in the short span of one year, and look ahead to the opportunities that the new year has to offer.

In my year in review and look ahead to set my intentions I pondered many questions, the one I would look to share is what did this year teach you about yourself?

• My heart is huge, which sometimes can lead to my own downfall. Yet, I will not let it change how much I love being with people and seeing them happy.
• Honesty, while uncomfortable, is way better than the aftermath of being dishonest
• You do not need convince anyone you deserve the thing you want, nor should you have to change yourself to receive it.
• You do not want to be alone.
• The feeling that I am chasing what is next has felt less and less because my desire to meet the next step when I am ready has brought me peace.
• You are allowed to make mistakes, trust the wrong people, say stupid shit. Your true friends will always love you.

Looking ahead into the possibilities of 2026, I have said it is my year whether I like it or not. This will be a year of immense amount of change. I have set intentions and goals for this year. This is practice, not proof.