December Reflections: What I Learned in 2025.

December always asks me to slow down, whether I want to or not. The city feels quieter in a way that only happens right before the year turns. Fewer expectations. More space to think. And honestly, I’ve learned to listen to that pause instead of rushing past it.

2025 wasn’t loud for me. It wasn’t about big viral moments or overnight wins. It was a year of showing up, trying things out, pulling back when I needed to, and slowly understanding what actually matters to me. Here’s what this year taught me.

Consistency looks different than I thought it would.
I used to think consistency meant doing everything perfectly and on schedule. Posting when I said I would. Hitting goals exactly when I planned them. This year taught me that consistency is really about returning. Coming back after a slow week. Uploading even when the numbers don’t impress you. Writing even when you’re not sure anyone’s reading. The quiet kind of consistency counts more than I ever realized.

I don’t need to explain myself as much as I think I do.
There were moments this year where I felt the urge to justify my choices. Why I changed direction. Why I slowed down. Why I didn’t follow the path I said I would months ago. What I learned is that clarity doesn’t come from over explaining. It comes from being honest with myself first and letting that be enough.

Rest isn’t a reward. It’s part of the process.
This one took me a while. I spent years believing rest had to be earned. That I could only slow down after hitting a milestone or finishing a checklist. 2025 reminded me that burnout is expensive and rest is preventative. The moments I stepped back were often the moments that gave me the most clarity.

Not everything needs to turn into content.
As a creator, this was a big lesson. Some moments are meant to be lived quietly. Some days don’t need a caption or a camera. I learned to let certain experiences stay mine and noticed how much fuller they felt when I wasn’t thinking about how they’d perform online.

Progress isn’t always obvious while you’re in it.
There were months this year where I questioned if anything was moving forward. Looking back now, I can see how much changed in small ways. My confidence. My boundaries. My creative voice. Growth doesn’t always announce itself. Sometimes it only makes sense in hindsight.

As the year closes, I’m not rushing to reinvent myself or set a hundred new goals. I’m entering 2026 with more trust in myself than I had before. Trust that I’ll pivot when I need to. Rest when I should. And keep building a life that feels good, not just one that looks good.

If you’re feeling reflective too, I hope you’re being gentle with yourself. You made it through another year. That alone is worth honoring.

thank you for being here. always.
talk soon 🕊️
— alessa