A Look Back at 2025: Reflecting on a Year of Life, Books & Cozy Happiness

Theresa Wilson
Dec 30, 2025
11 min read

As 2025 comes to a close, it feels like the perfect time to slow down and reflect on the year—on the books I read, the cozy rituals that kept me grounded, and the everyday moments that brought joy.

This post is my personal look back, with a mix of highlights, reflections, and seasonal comforts that made 2025 feel full.

Life in 2025: Highlights & Simple Joys

This year, routines and small habits became surprisingly grounding for me. I started using the Finch app, and it has truly transformed how I structure my days. The reminders—from drinking enough water, washing my sheets, to packing my bag for the next day—helped me stay organized and intentional. I also started journaling more, though it’s mostly little notes in my planner about what I did and how I felt. It’s nothing elaborate, but the small acts of tracking my days have made a noticeable difference in keeping me present.

One of the biggest highlights of 2025 has been stepping out of my comfort zone. My solo road trip to Victoria in July and my camping trip to Banff & Golden at the end of August were both eye-opening experiences. I honestly wasn’t sure I would go through with either because of my anxiety, but I realized it could accompany me as a companion rather than a blockade. These trips reminded me of just how capable I am, and how doing things for myself brings a deep sense of gratitude and confidence. Another big step was my boudoir shoot at the beginning of December—a completely out-of-my-comfort-zone experience that ended up being empowering and celebratory.

This year also brought plenty of smaller, everyday joys. Nurturing my love of reading by aiming to read daily, spending more time with my Cricut projects, and diving deeper into LEGO building—my 2025 hobby that grew more than I expected—added creativity and fun to my routine.

2025 has been a year of growth, reflection, and embracing both the big and small moments. The routines I cultivated, the adventures I took, and the hobbies I explored all contributed to a sense of accomplishment and cozy contentment that I’ll carry with me into the new year.

Books That Shaped My Year

My top six books of the year are Under Loch & Key by Lana Ferguson, In Good Company by Kat Singleton, Mountain Boss by S.J. Tilly, Seven Year Itch by Amy Daws, Grimstone by Sophie Lark, and Honeymoon Phase by Amy Daws.

I loved that many of the books I read this year included women who were embracing their bodies — something I was working on myself this year. Those stories resonated with me in a way few others do because I saw parts of myself reflected in them. The confidence, the vulnerability, and the way these women were loved for exactly who they were — not for who they thought they had to be — mirrored a mindset I’ve been trying to nurture: learning to embrace and celebrate my own body with more kindness and ease.

I’ve always been drawn to themes of second chances and fresh starts, and that carried through in many of my reads. While none of the books necessarily challenged my beliefs this year, I found myself returning to certain stories and rereading passages that lingered in my mind, letting the words settle in and reflect back what I was learning about myself.

I stayed firmly in the romance genre, but I explored a wider range of tropes than usual. From small-town love stories to billionaire bosses, shifter romances, and romances with unconventional beauties as leads, this year felt like a real mix. While I didn’t discover any brand-new favorite authors, I thoroughly enjoyed returning to old favorites like Lyla Sage, Kat Singleton, Elsie Silver, Lana Ferguson, and Ali Hazelwood. Reading their books felt like catching up with someone I’ve always known.

Some of my favorite reading experiences this year happened alongside adventures. I read Mountain Grump by S.J. Tilly while in Banff, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, and Seven Year Itch by Amy Daws while staying in Golden. Experiencing these stories in nature made the adventures in the books feel alive—like the characters were traveling alongside me. That said, curling up in my reading nook at home comes a close second; it’s still the heart of my cozy happiness.

During my Love & Lanternlight readathon, I read seven books that perfectly matched the moody, cozy vibes of fall. Grimstone by Sophie Lark stood out in particular—a dark romance with just the right balance of edge and emotion for the season.

Reading also inspired my creativity this year. From acrylic ornaments for my tree featuring bookish images to wall art and stickers for my reading journal, books fueled small, meaningful craft projects throughout the year.

Beyond the pages, reading taught me to slow down and let go of little stresses. It reminded me that putting myself first is not selfish, but a way to grow. Romance novels may not always carry profound lessons, but for me, they quietly reinforced that I am enough. The men in these books love the women for who they truly are—not who they think they should be. Seeing that mirrored in fiction reminded me that one day I will find someone who loves me for my quirks, just as I am.

Reading this year also helped me nurture my mental health. It gave me a space to “turn my brain off,” to rest and recharge without needing to explain it to anyone. My habits shifted over the year, from reading once or twice a week to carving out time every day—during lunch, before bed, and in those quiet moments in between. Reigniting my love of reading has been one of the most rewarding parts of 2025, and it’s a practice I will carry with me into 2026, continuing to embrace this side of who I am.

While books were a constant source of joy, the seasons themselves also shaped how I experienced the year.

Cozy Rituals Through the Seasons

As I look back on 2025, I can see how each season carried its own rhythm of comfort and joy. The year felt defined by the little rituals that shaped my days—the quiet mornings with tea, the cozy nights surrounded by books, and the simple shifts that made my home feel alive through every change in the weather. Each season had its own kind of warmth, and together they created a year that felt both grounded and full of gentle growth.

Winter Rituals

Winter 2025 is all about cozying up and enjoying the little comforts at home. I finally completed my reading nook in February, and this is the first full winter I’ve been able to enjoy it—it’s become my favorite spot for curling up with a book. Soups, especially lasagna soup, are a comforting winter staple, and I love pairing my reading time with a warm cup of tea. This year, I’ve also been spending more time crafting, working with my Cricut, and building LEGO, which adds a creative element to the colder months. I even added a small Christmas tree in my reading nook, along with little seasonal touches, to make the space feel festive. On top of all that, I’m focusing on self-care—taking extra care of my skin, reading more consistently, and journaling about my books—which makes winter feel intentional, cozy, and restorative.

Spring Rituals

Spring 2025 was all about renewal and fresh energy. I loved spring cleaning—it’s not that I enjoyed cleaning itself, but dedicating a day to welcome spring, open the windows, air out the rooms, and give everything a wipe down felt like a reset after winter. Crafting really shone for me in spring; the season seemed to inspire creativity in ways other times of the year didn’t, and I spent a lot of time with my Cricut and other projects. Seasonal touches in my reading nook, like little flowers, made the space feel fresh and welcoming—it was the first full spring I could fully enjoy it since completing the nook earlier in the year. I also focused on self-care, particularly mental health, giving myself the space and attention needed to shake off the winter blues and step into the season with renewed energy.

Summer Rituals

Summer 2025 was defined by adventure, personal growth, and a few milestone moments. My solo trips to Victoria in July and Banff & Golden at the end of August were highlights of the season, giving me time to reflect, connect with my inner self, and celebrate turning 30—a personal milestone that made this summer feel especially significant. Summer was also all about fruit for me, and I rediscovered my love for watermelon—it was the perfect refreshment on hot afternoons. I often spent those afternoons building LEGO or reading indoors, a cozy way to enjoy the season when it was too warm to be outside. I didn’t make many changes to my décor, keeping my flower touches from spring, which still brought a light, summery feel to my space. Closing out the season with reflection and a sense of balance, summer left me feeling accomplished, rejuvenated, and ready for the months ahead.

Autumn Rituals

Autumn 2025 was all about creating cozy, intentional spaces and celebrating seasonal routines. In mid-September, I pulled out all my fall clothes and went through my entire wardrobe—a big undertaking, but surprisingly soothing. It made my closet feel organized and intentional rather than chaotic. I didn’t add seasonal décor this year, but I still embraced small comforts, like enjoying pumpkin spice drinks and anything apple-spiced — the flavors that make fall feel like fall. Creativity came through in a few small projects, like making Halloween decals for my mom, but the season was largely focused on reading—especially my inaugural fall readathon in October, which was so much fun and perfectly aligned with the cozy mood of the season. I also focused on my health, easing into a Mediterranean-inspired diet and prioritizing habits that supported my well-being. Autumn felt grounding, intentional, and full of quiet pleasures.

Reflections & Lessons from 2025

What I Learned About Myself

This year taught me that I am capable of building new routines and habits—but only after doing the mental work first. The first part of the year was about taking a hard look at my mental state and really working through it. The second half was all about implementing those new routines and habits that support me instead of draining me.

My energy levels since making those changes have truly surprised me. Of course, I still have bad days when nothing seems to work (but that’s mental health—and I’ve learned that bad days aren’t bad, they’re just part of the process). Working on myself has been incredibly rewarding.

Compared to last year, I’ve noticed that I’m far less pessimistic. Early in 2024, I was really struggling, but facing my mental health head-on helped me see both the good and the bad more clearly. That shift led to real personal growth—like taking my first solo road trip and then another just a month later, something I never would’ve done a few years ago.

My relationship with rest has changed too. I’ve learned to let myself rest when I need it without feeling guilty. My view of productivity shifted in the second half of the year—especially with blog prep and budgeting taking center stage. Creativity stayed consistent; I’ve simply continued nurturing my love of crafting. My new budgeting routine has been a game changer, and making sure I read daily has become one of my favorite grounding habits.

What Surprised Me

One of my biggest lessons came from my road trip to Banff and Golden. I was truly alone on that trip, and it forced me to look inward. That experience taught me that slowing down is a good thing—that I don’t need to chase what’s expected of me, but rather live for myself. What could have been a stressful trip ended up being deeply rewarding.

Another defining moment this year was my boudoir photoshoot. It was empowering and pushed me far outside my comfort zone in the best way possible. Reading also continued to shape my mindset, reminding me to live life for myself rather than for others. Reading might not be for everyone, but it’s an essential part of who I am.

What I’m Letting Go Of

In 2026, I’m leaving behind my habit of filling silence with food. It’s been part of my mental health journey—learning to recognize emotional eating and working toward a healthier relationship with food. I’m also focusing on being kinder to myself, especially around relationships and dating. I’ve been hard on myself in that area (and my dad doesn’t always help), but I’m learning that I don’t need a relationship to feel fulfilled. Would I like one someday? Of course—but I’m willing to wait for the right person.

I’m also letting go of the feeling that I’m “falling behind.” Sure, people my age are buying houses, getting married, or having kids—but my 20s were about survival, and now I’m ready to live the life I fought so hard for.

Lastly, I learned that saying no can bring real peace. I lost a 10-year friendship this year simply because I refused to be an afterthought. It was sad, and I miss that friendship—but I know it’s not something I’ll go back on. I’m looking forward to the future, not living in the past.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As I look ahead to 2026, my main focus is my health—both mental and physical. Alongside that, I want to nurture growth and joy. My goal is to build a life I’m proud of, not one that feels lacking simply because society tells me it should look a certain way.

If I had to choose one word to guide my year, it would be change. I want to change my mindset, change my health, and change the direction of my life. I want my days to feel simple, peaceful, and fulfilling—easy in the sense that I’m not constantly fighting against myself or outside expectations.

When it comes to personal projects, I’d love to create more bookish crafts because they bring me so much joy, and I want to continue strengthening my reading routine. As for new hobbies, I’m still loving LEGO and reading—so I’m not in a rush to add anything else. For my blog, one of my goals is to reach 250 visits per month (I’ve been averaging around 100 lately), and I’d also love to see my YouTube channel continue to grow and evolve.

I’m already planning a road trip to Drumheller for next year—it might be solo, or I might bring a friend along. Either way, I’m excited for another adventure that helps me connect with myself and the world around me.

On the mental health side, I’ll be continuing to nurture my well-being in every sense. I’ve learned that when I care for all aspects of myself, the good days far outweigh the bad ones. I plan to make self-care a true priority next year—taking monthly at-home self-care days and doing small things each week just for me. I’ll also be maintaining the boundaries I’ve built in 2025: refusing to be an afterthought and learning that no means no are lessons I’ll be carrying forward.

Cozy moments will remain at the heart of how I live. I want to prioritize quiet afternoons in my reading nook, spend 15 minutes on a new craft or LEGO build, and simply do the things that make me happy. Cozy happiness is the kind of life I want to live in 2026—one filled with contentment in the little things. I’m also planning to expand on my seasonal traditions, especially with my upcoming seasonal readathons, which will officially begin in January.

If I could summarize 2025 in one sentence, it would be this:

This year taught me that I am enough and don’t need to change for others.

To everyone who’s followed along this year—thank you. Your support, encouragement, and shared love of books and cozy living mean more than I can say. As we step into a new year, I want to leave you with this thought:

You are enough. Live for yourself, and never change just to fit someone else’s idea of who you should be.

As 2025 comes to a close, I can’t help but feel grateful for everything this year has taught me—the challenges that shaped me, the adventures that reminded me of my strength, and the quiet, cozy moments that filled my days with peace. It wasn’t always easy, but every step brought me closer to the life I’ve been working to create: one rooted in self-acceptance, intention, and joy.

Looking back, this was a year of growth in the truest sense. I learned how capable I am when I trust myself, how peace can be found in stillness, and how important it is to celebrate even the smallest progress.

As I turn the page to 2026, I’m carrying forward the lessons, the gratitude, and the cozy happiness that defined this year. I’m excited for what’s ahead—the books I’ll read, the meals I’ll cook, the projects I’ll dream up, and the quiet moments I’ll continue to savor.

Thank you for being part of this journey and for sharing in these little pieces of my world. Here’s to more growth, more joy, and more cozy moments in the year ahead.

Happy New Year, friends. 💫