What 2025 Taught Me About Actually Living

2025 was the year I stopped living cautiously.

I spent time reading my 2025 resolutions that I wrote back in January—which was a full-circle moment. I wrote about wanting to spend the year embodying simplicity and purpose, and fill my time with things that aligned with my goals. I wanted a quiet year with predictability since 2024 was so challenging.

I wrote about wanting to slow down and live to the fullest. I wanted to feel confident at my new job and stop worrying about my weight. I wanted to spend time with people who chose me back. I wanted to LIVE.

What stood out most, though, was how safely I played it. I didn’t wish for much. I wrote that big travel “isn’t me,” and that I just hoped to feel slightly confident in my new job. Everything was simple, contained, and cautious.

That version of me was confident at work, socially, and throwing any kind of party—but anxious around experiences that felt risky, far away, or just big. Anything involving a time change, leaving my routine, starting something new, or a plane ride longer than seven hours?? Byeeee.

But this year, I shifted. I lived. Fully. In ways that were challenging, intentional, messy, and joyful.

If 2024 tested me to reinvent myself, then 2025 was about practice. Practice what I preach. Practice using my tools. Practice healthy living. Practice being my best self—while being kinder to myself and the people around me.

I traveled more than I ever imagined—Charleston, Hawaii, Sanibel, Saratoga, Killington, Colorado, NYC, New Hampshire—and the bigger trips tested my anxiety while teaching me to trust myself. From skiing sunshine laps to hopping back into a saddle I’d avoided for years, I felt whole again. That horse-girl part of me I thought I’d left behind? She’s back.

Every one of these adventures reminded me how much joy comes from just saying yes.

But I still won’t learn to budget!!!

I leaned into everyday joy. Time with people I love, weddings, creating for my blog and clients, launching the Instagram for my blog and celebrating our one-year mark, swimming in oceans, skiing, 350 Barry’s classes, drinking less—each moment felt full, alive, and completely mine.

This year didn’t skip the hard parts. My dad’s health, burnout at work and with blog posts, over-scheduling myself, never allowing proper rest, moments of self-criticism after drinking—it all happened. But instead of avoiding it, I learned to move through it. I learned to forgive myself, to be flexible, and to trust that mistakes don’t erase all growth.

2025 was seamless in a way that made me grateful for each day no matter what. It made me slow down, relish in moments I didn’t want to end, and feel full in a way I never thought possible. Nothing felt it was missing (except maybe more ice cream).

Circling back to my original goals for 2025—to the past version of me—I'd like to think I did a lot of living. I found purpose in the blog and its social media. I spent time with people who chose me back. I stood up for myself. I love my job and I’m very good at it. I stopped playing it safe.

Honestly? I focused a little too much on purpose in 2025. Schedules, structure, managing every minute of every day—it gets exhausting. Sometimes it steals the joy. In the new year, I want more spontaneity. More flexibility. Less managing myself.

But somewhere along the way—2025 became the best year of my life.

So where do we go in 2026?

Some of my resolutions include letting joy exist without needing a purpose, pausing on over-scheduling, making choices I don’t second-guess, being more consistent with riding, and slowing down.

2025 went by in the blink of an eye—way too fast. In 2026, I want to treasure every moment and appreciate each day I’m given.

I encourage you to sit down with your champagne and write a few reflections of your own. Think about how you lived this year. Maybe it’s time to take a few more risks.

Thank you, 2025—for the travel, the people, the sunshine, the snow, and the days that reminded me how to live.

2026—let’s go, baby.

-Charty