What a year
My 2025 in 5 snaps
I suppose any year seems momentous as it’s ending.
2018 was walking into a bar in Luang Prabang and meeting the man who is now my partner, his last night in town.
2020 was scoring my dream job with Mark.
2021 was moving to Ho Chi Minh City, Dad’s cancer diagnosis.
2024 was seeing Taylor Swift at Anfield, home stadium to the football club I stayed up every week to cheer on as a child.
This year was meeting Mark in the flesh and losing Dad—
But I don’t want to reduce the entire year to just this.
So, for my traditional end-of-year post, I am recalling my 2025 in five images that defined it. (Look back on 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.)
A Little Life
An unfortunate side effect of being a writer—and spending a lot of time thinking about writing—is that I am an extremely picky, and impatient, reader. If a book hasn’t grabbed me by Paragraph Two, you won’t see me reading the rest.
I was 200 pages in when I realised A Little Life will be the best book I’ve ever read. It’s eleven months and 43 books later, and I’m still convinced I’ll never read anything that comes close.
A lot of people are worried by my unbounded love for A Little Life (shout out to my Wine & Books gals), and I do cry buckets every time I read it (twice this year), but I don’t love it because it’s sad, I love it because it’s the most life-affirming book I’ve ever read.
I will forever be grateful to Gavin for recommending it so resoundingly that I immediately picked it up. It is a little daunting to think I’ve already read the best book I’ll ever read. But I do not regret a single word.
Pole Dancing
In April, out of sheer curiosity, I went to my first Pole Dancing class.
Nine months later, it’s conclusive that starting Pole was the best random decision I’ve ever made. I am constantly amazed at what my body—and mind—can do. What’s more, in a year of change, Pole has been the one constant to pull me, quite literally, back to myself.
I cannot recommend this sport more highly. Learning it has provided some of my most joyful moments of 2025. Shout out to Anne for starting this wonderful studio and community, to Ngan for teaching this craft so expertly and empathetically, and to all my classmates—I hear all your cheers and yes, I am pointing my toes.
Meeting Mark
I meet my boss (and long-time idol) for the first time and the first thing I say? Oh my God you’re so tall.
My face didn’t stop trembling until after the first hour, but by the tenth we were doing silly selfies by the bus stop. Mark is, as I suspected after five years of working for him, a wonderful human. And managing his newsletter—and having him as my writing mentor—is the greatest privilege of my life.
Losing Dad
2025 will always be the year Dad died. Which he did. One day after I met Mark.
I didn’t make it to the funeral (a story for another time) but I was there to scatter his ashes in the muddy river of his hometown. I held what was left of him in my arms, fingered the metal rod that was in his spine, and said goodbye.
Goodnight Dad. May you rest in peace.
First Birthday Party
For my birthday present this year, I asked my partner to throw me a party. The first birthday party—the kind with balloons, backdrop, and fanfare—I’ve ever had. All my closest friends were there. One of them baked my favourite chocolate cake. Everyone stayed the whole night.
I wanted a birthday party this year so I could revel in the gaze of all my loved ones at once. And I did. A note of tearful appreciation to everyone who came (including those who couldn’t make it!) and a very special Thank You to my partner (and Chico!) for being the brains (and brawn) behind this party. I love you both.
How was your year?
This was my 2025. How about yours?
What were the things/events/people that made up your year?
And why? Please hit “reply” or leave a comment—I read every response and I’d love to hear from you. If you want, share this post with someone who might take comfort in my 2025.
We’re still on an every-other-week holiday schedule, so I’ll see you in two weeks… In the meantime, stay thoughtful, and Happy New Year,
Val
Nice summary of a year in 5 pictures and moments. You listed the good, the sad, and the growing.
I usually write this "Years in Chapter's Name". In 2022, it was "In Motion", last year was "Framing"
I think this year will be "Release to Sail". Letting go to heal and live a life carried by the wind while also having control on steering it in the right direction. Also because I sailed from Antarctica to Namibia for 2 months, haha.
How would you describe yours in 4 words or less?