This year felt really hard in a lot of ways.
And I don’t know about you but the hard things overshadow the good things a lot of the time.
And the daily joys, the little things get forgotten quickly when we move through the months and the seasons that it all just feels like a blur of life with only the big dips and highs being the things we remember.
So I did an exercise for myself
Instead of just making a recap of all the clients I worked with and things I did this year (a literal highlight reel), I opened my calendar starting in January and scanned through each month to remind myself of the good, hard, and in between. The life that I lived.
I scrolled through each month and jotted down anything that stood out to me that had an emotion tied to it.
It honestly didn’t even take that long and it felt really good to recognize both the ups and downs. To see all the good things that happened while also acknowledging the not so easy things that I made it through. Some might call that balance.
So if you’re looking for a new way to look back on your year maybe this is it! Do it in the medium that feels good to you. Digitally like this, or in a notebook, or scrapbook style, or do it with a friend and take turns sharing your months. There’s no wrong way.
Here we go… my 2025 in ups and downs, the good and the hard, the lived life.
My bestie came to visit me for my birthday and we did all the best things! Spa, coffees, indoor gardens
Our washer and dryer died
We got to go to Mexico with the whole family!
I got a virus there and was incredibly sick for the next 2+ months (check your travel vaccines , friends)
I had a busy spring for photo shoots and new clients!
I decided to shut down my Wonder & Co dreams and went through the emotions and grieving that came with that
Put on my first photography workshops!
Matt dislocated his elbow
Did a dream shoot with a dream client at a dream location (check it out here!)
My 8 year old got dental surgery and my mom-heart broke watching it
Went to PEI for a family vacation!
Had to buy a new car… unexpectedly
Did solo trips to Toronto and Montreal to see friends
Officially closed down more Wonder & Co things which reopened up a lot of feelings
Another trip to see a friend
Had to cancel a workshop I was excited to put on, but realized it wasn’t the right timing
Did family photos after having to reschedule them 3 times since June
Realized I had let some fears grow over the year and that it had been draining me mentally… but recognizing it actually felt good.
Hosted my first Gathering in over a year!
Look a mini trip to Montreal with my family and it was so good.
First Christmas that Matt is home… ever!
If you were to ask me what I did in 2025 I would've said something like, "Not much", while internally spiralling that it was a blur and not many good things happened.
But this has reminded me that there was SO much joy! I took way more trips then I thought, grew my business in new and different ways, checked things off my life list, and grew as a person (because through the hard things there is always learning).
So here's to 2026.
May it be a year filled with joy, purpose, growth and ease.