My word for 2026 is “Aligned” because I want my travels, wellness, creativity, and everyday life to actually support each other.

2025 wasn’t the year I expected, but it became the year I needed. It was a year that invited me to look deeper within myself. To pause long enough to ask honest questions, evaluate where I was, and notice what no longer felt aligned. Instead of rushing toward the next goal or destination, I spent time reflecting on why I was moving, how I was showing up, and what truly mattered to me.

Between navigating transitions, building creative projects with more intention, and learning alongside my pup Ruby, I discovered lessons that reshaped how I travel, work, move, and live. These weren’t surface-level realizations, they came from slowing down, paying attention, and unlearning the idea that growth has to look loud, fast, or obvious. These are the lessons 2025 gently but firmly taught me.

Alignment matters more than momentum

For a long time, I thought progress meant always moving forward. But 2025 taught me that motion without alignment leads to burnout. Pausing, recalibrating, and choosing what actually felt right is what created deeper, more sustainable growth than forcing the next step ever could.

Slow seasons are not failures

There were moments this year where it felt like I was losing ground instead of gaining it. But looking back, those “quiet” periods were where clarity formed. Slow seasons allowed space for healing, creativity, and honest self-reflection. These are things that are harder to do while constantly moving.

Creating from joy connects more than creating from pressure

Whether it was my travel blog, Ruby’s content, or creative ideas I explored quietly, the moments that felt most authentic were the ones that resonated most. Everything I created felt less like work and more like something I wanted to do. I felt fulfilled, because not only was I receiving positive outcomes, but because the process itself was also enjoyable. Creating became a form of expression instead of obligation. When I stopped asking “What should I post?” and started asking “What feels fun and true?” everything shifted.

Growth often comes disguised as discomfort

2025 pushed me into uncomfortable spaces emotionally, professionally, and personally. But each moment of discomfort pointed me toward boundaries, clarity, or change I needed. The things that felt hardest ended up teaching me the most.

Life with a dog teaches presence

Ruby has been one of my greatest teachers this year. She lives fully in the moment. Every walk, nap, and adventure matters. Through her, I learned how to find joy and appreciation in every moment, even the ordinary ones. She reminded me to appreciate life as it is, not just when everything feels perfect. I also learned not to stress over failures, but to see them as lessons, moments to learn from, and not reasons to stop.

Ruby showed me how to appreciate the little things: a sunny walk, a quiet cuddle, a playful burst of energy. She also taught me how to keep thriving even when I felt like I couldn’t. To keep going, to stay present, and not to give up.