The draft of this post has been sitting here for a few months now. I had a difficult time figuring out how to begin, how to conclude. Usually, words don’t have a hard time coming out of me. But this time, I was at a loss for words. But I am just going to push through and write down what I wanted to say:
2025 sucked ass.
I am not even talking about the world going into chaos, the onslaught of disinformation or just the mental toll this year decided to land on us. No, 2025 was an emotional shit show for me personally. I dealt with ongoing issues at my job; my grandmother passed away. And then to top it off, I started having health problems that led me to having massive surgery in September, leading to ongoing treatment that will go on for a long duration. I thought I had every curveball thrown at me, that is, until 2025 came along.
My family and friends keep telling me I am strong and resilient. I don’t feel like it. Maybe the feeling will change next week or in months, but for now, I feel in limbo, waiting for everything to return to what I felt was normal. I am reconciling with the fact that my life has changed drastically. That doesn’t mean a part of me doesn’t wish that all of this is part of a dream, waiting to wake up. What is wrong with me? Down the road, I’ll probably say something, but now, I’ll keep it to myself. Rest assured, I am on the mend, taking it one day at a time.
I am quick to say good riddance to 2025; there were still a few moments that I reflect on fondly. I got to present at the ALA conference (American Library Association), helped an author with their book launch at the Book Club Bar, on a panel once again at ThrillerFest, celebrated a milestone of one of my favorite authors with awesome people, hosted author conversations through my blog, and met some of my favorite authors in person. It might seem insignificant compared to the other things, but I read more nonfiction than in past years.
I don’t anticipate 2026 to be an easy one. But I hope it will be a significant improvement over 2025. But the only way I can make the best of it is to survive, taking one step at a time. I am aiming to do things a little differently this year, but not so much that I call them New Year’s Resolutions. I have been seeing a call to go analog in 2026, and although it can be difficult given my current job as a librarian and book blogger, there are a few steps I can take to reclaim a bit of my life from technology. I miss having a portable media player, a device separate from a phone, so I am looking into getting one. I think it would be suitable for when I am reading or listening to an audiobook, so that I can focus on that instead of doomscrolling. I am also going to aim to get back into offline activities such as puzzling (if my cat doesn’t commandeer the puzzle board), puzzle books like word searches and Sudoku, and, most importantly, drawing and watercolor painting. I didn’t realize how much I missed it until it came to me how long it had been since the last time I picked up a pencil and a paintbrush. There are a few more things I would like to do, but I believe it is best to start small rather than big.
I guess did have a lot to say. I just needed to push myself to sit at the computer and let all the feelings come out. So, yes, 2025 truly sucked; however, I will try to think of the good moments it did bring, even though it is hard to comprehend. Here’s to 2026. Let’s get back to sanity, get back to perseverance, and most importantly, get back to reading.
We need it now more than ever.
And now back to our regularly scheduled program…
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