At the end of 2024, a rather busy year filled with 8-to-5 (or 8-to-8 again) workdays, short courses, business trips, and conferences, I remember joking with my colleagues that I wouldn’t take on too many side activities in 2025. After all the fun and chaos of 2024, I promised myself that 2025 would be a chill and slow year.

But then 2025 came with an unexpected twist, one that completely redefined my so-called “chill year.” What was meant to be slow quickly turned into another roller coaster ride. Thrilling. But also fun. I took the challenge and chose to enjoy the ride anyway. The rest of 2025 became a path I had never crossed my mind before.

I had to adapt to unfamiliar ground, build new connections, and learn new skills. Rather than leaving my comfort zone, I chose to expand it. It wasn’t always comfortable, but as long as there was something to learn, I embraced it.

Through all the changes, some things remained constant: coffee, reading, and painting. When everything else shifted, these small constants kept me steady, grounding me and quietly reminding me that we are more than our roles.

What I Learned in 2025

1. It’s okay to let go of a plan and enjoy the ride anyway.
My “slow year” turned into a roller coaster almost instantly and I decided to ride it anyway. Chasing the thrill, and yes, the occasional adrenaline rush. I learned that plans are useful, but they shouldn’t be rigid. A bit of flexibility allowed me to stay open, present, and even enjoy paths I never planned to take.

2. We always need to embrace a beginner’s mindset.
Becoming a beginner once again reminded me that there is still so much to learn and that growth often begins with humility. I now try to see myself as a work in progress: a continuous learner, a student of life.

3. Hobbies are anchors when everything shifts.
When routines and expectations changed, coffee, painting, and reading remained constant. They grounded me, gave me space to think, and helped me to keep going.

4. Don’t joke too much with colleagues… the universe might be listening. (kidding)
What I really learned is to be more mindful of the words I throw, even casually. Sometimes jokes have a funny way of turning into reality or at least into unexpected twists.

2025 didn’t unfold the way I planned, but perhaps that was the lesson. Not every year is meant to be predictable and that’s where the fun is.

Some years teach us how to move fast.
Some years teach us how to slow down (or, ironically, move even faster).

For all the rides, thrills, and adrenaline rushes 2025 offered me, I’m deeply grateful. What felt like unfamiliar ground at first slowly became a space for growth. For me, 2025 will always be a year of redefining.

Hola from a beginner, once more.
Let’s ride into 2026 and embrace the unexpected.