Written by Olivia Baker
As I reflect on 2025, this year has been one of the most transformative chapters of my life. When I look back, I see moments that challenged me, including work related matters, fertility challenges, and unexpected life setbacks. All of these tough moments have lifted me into a stronger and more grounded version of myself, which I couldn’t be more grateful for.
2025 has been a year of growth, clarity, resilience, patience and unexpected lessons. Over the last 12 months, I see a version of myself who was trying so hard to keep everything together, including managing my full-time role, running a household, personal development goals, and the hopes I carry for the future. I can see how much I have transformed from being a frazzled and highly stressed person, by simply allowing myself to learn, adapt to change, and by accepting the fact that life is full of unexpected challenges.
One of the biggest lessons I have learnt this year is the importance of boundaries. I realised that constantly pushing myself does not equal success, and that saying “yes” to everything often meant saying “no” to my own wellbeing. As I have learnt to step back, including to switch off when my working day has concluded, this adjustment has made me more productive, grounded and ultimately has rejuvenated my mental state and overall wellbeing.
Secondly, I have learnt that I am more resilient than I recognise myself to be, as this year has unpacked moments of uncertainty and decisions that were very weighted on my conscious. Regardless, of the hurdles 2025 has prevailed, I discovered that strength is not loud or dramatic and can be conquered when the quiet choice is to keep going, to stay hopeful, and to trust the process even when the end result outcome is not guaranteed.
Lastly, I have learnt the importance of allowing myself to feel excited about the future as hope is a brave trait to embrace. By allowing myself to be excited and hopeful for upcoming personal projects, I have diminished the thought of “what if it doesn’t work” and chosen to be practical in the moment, by way of believing that something amazing will happen, even if the path to the end result is not a smooth journey. I have discovered that by remaining positive and to recognise that I am doing the absolute best I can to accomplish the task at hand is the best daily mindset to apply.
Overall, 2025 has taught me that I am stronger, wiser, and more capable than I realised, allowing me to commence 2026 with clearer priorities, deeper gratitude, and a lot more self-trust within myself.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
