12 things I’m really glad I learned in 2025

As we come to the end of 2025, I’ve been reflecting on this year a lot. And honestly, it’s been my year of growth. I pushed myself in ways I never had before. I got two new jobs, travelled solo, strengthened friendships, got out of my comfort zone, tackled my demons head on, and discovered so much about who I am, what I like, and what I’m willing to tolerate.

But it didn’t start like this.

I started 2025 in a really low place. I felt bad about my life, about myself, and I was fully in a victim mindset. In January, I met up with someone close to me and remember feeling like such a failure. Instead of letting me dwell, they told me to write everything I wanted to achieve this year in my Notes app, add pictures, and tick them off once I achieved them.

Something about that conversation really helped turn things around for me.

I decided I was going to take control of my life. I was going to change the narrative. Life was no longer going to happen to me, I was going to create the life I wanted for myself.

Fast forward 12 months later, and while things aren’t perfect, I’m living a life I dreamed about back in January. I’ve achieved a lot of what I wanted, dealt with unexpected events, and I’m now way more equipped to handle life than I would’ve been as my younger self.

So here are 12 things I learned in 2025.

1. Spend time with your parents and family

This is a really important one for me. And just to say, family doesn’t always have to be blood.

One thing I learned this year is how precious time really is. While we’re all striving for the next goal, it’s easy to forget about the present moment, and you don’t get that back. Having lived through grief, I know life isn’t guaranteed and the people you love won’t always be there.

It’s not about buying the most expensive gift or doing anything big. It’s about showing up without expecting anything in return. Nothing makes you feel richer than creating memories with the people you love. Presence really does matter more than plans.

2. Community matters more than you think

This definitely links to the first one. Living in London can be incredibly lonely. Even though it’s one of the biggest cities in the world, it can also feel like one of the loneliest.

This year, finding my people really helped me. Nurturing existing friendships, making new ones, and living with people who share the same values as me changed everything. Some of the best people I’ve lived with came into my life because I trusted them, and now they have such a special place in my heart.

We’re not meant to go through life alone. We’re in the middle of a loneliness epidemic, and I think a big part of that is because we communicate through devices instead of making the effort to show up for people. Growing up in a small city, community was everything, so when I moved to London, I felt really out of balance. Now I’ve created my own, and I make sure I always water it. It’s something I’ll never give up again.

3. Let life be

This has been one of the hardest lessons for me, and honestly one I’ve only properly learned in the last few weeks.

Life will unfold when it’s meant to. You can’t control every outcome, so why suffer in the in-between. Life isn’t meant to be paused until everything is sorted, because it always sorts itself out eventually.

There will be times you cry, stress, or feel overwhelmed, but it won’t last forever. There will always be stressors in life, and learning to live alongside them instead of trying to control everything makes life feel lighter. Even when things don’t work out how you expected, there’s always a reason or a lesson in it. Choosing to accept things instead of fighting them has made me so much more resilient.

4. Be kind, without betraying yourself

I used to be scared of being kind. I didn’t want to show too much love or care because I thought people would let me down. I was a people pleaser, put people on pedestals, and never went against what others wanted, even if it meant I lost out. I was always told I was nice, but nice doesn’t always mean valued.

This year I learned that real kindness comes from honesty. Doing things because you genuinely want to make someone’s day, be there for them, or show appreciation, not because you feel like you have to. Being kind without resentment feels completely different.

5. Let people have opinions of you and be your weird self anyway

One thing I’ve learned is that not everyone is going to be your biggest fan, and that’s okay.

We live in a world with billions of people. Not everyone will think the same way or have the same beliefs, and that’s just life. It’s so freeing when you accept that you might be different and do things because they make you happy.

I used to hate parts of myself, my neurospicy brain, being a visual thinker, having entertainer energy. Now I realise that’s what makes me me. So book the dance class, go to the workshop, speak up in meetings, say hi to the person on the train, make the video even if it feels cringe. You’ll never be for everyone, and that’s freedom.

6. Do something different, even if it feels random

This year I really pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and it showed me what I’m capable of.

In January, I couldn’t even get through an interview without freezing. Now I can comfortably talk about topics without much prep. I started going to weekly coffee walks, meeting new people, and exploring new parts of London. I was so nervous going alone at first, but it ended up being one of the best things I did. I even made friends I now live with.

You never know what opportunities will come from saying yes. If it feels uncomfortable, it’s probably helping you grow.

7. Accept help - pride is your worst enemy

Growing up, I didn’t trust people much. I had a false belief that people wouldn’t genuinely want to help and would talk behind your back.

This year showed me that there are good people in the world. When you’re honest, the right people meet you with honesty. The people who supported me this year, I’m so grateful for you.

Sometimes you need to accept help just as much as you give it. Pride really is a joy killer.

8. Boundaries are your best friend

This is something that’s become really important to me.

A friend recently told me they’ve noticed such a difference in how I deal with conflict. I used to say “it’s fine” or avoid bringing things up. Now I say when I’m not happy. That moment made me realise how much I’ve grown.

Boundaries show what you will and won’t tolerate. Being honest about them doesn’t make you unkind, it means you respect yourself. This is something I’ll always keep close.

9. Say “I love you” more often

Life really is softer when love is spoken out loud.

I never used to feel comfortable showing love or appreciation. I thought I was just shy. This year taught me that the more you say it, the easier it gets. Being vulnerable opens up a deeper side of friendships and relationships that I never experienced before.

I’m made to be chalant, and I’m okay with that. Words of affirmation and showing love are important for me, and I won’t shy away from that anymore.

10. Have audacity and believe bigger

I always had big dreams, but I never allowed myself to get too close to them because I didn’t feel worthy.

This year I worked hard to unlearn that. If you don’t go for opportunities, someone louder will. You are just as deserving. Believe in yourself, shout about your achievements, and go after what you want. Manifest boldly, but back it up with hard work.

11. ABBA will always lift your mood

A lighter lesson, but an important one. ABBA will always make you feel better. No explanation needed.

12. If you’re sad, you might just need to go for a walk

And finally, if you’re feeling sad, you probably need to go outside.

This year I started going for walks by the river before work, and it genuinely got me through tough, stressful, and even happy seasons. Walking, being outside, listening to music or a podcast makes such a difference. So if you’re feeling low, get up and go for a walk.

2025, thank you for the lessons

This year has been a whirlwind, but it’s been my biggest year of growth, exploration, and becoming my truest self. To the people in my life, thank you. I appreciate you, and I’m excited to see what I learn in the next year.