2025 is drawing to a close, and honestly, I think this has been the best year of my life so far. It started with so much uncertainty – I was in a constant state of panic about my health while navigating my second chronic illness diagnosis within a year. I had just left my job teaching music because I knew it wasn’t a safe environment to be putting myself in with POTS, and I had absolutely no idea what direction my life was heading in. I’d given up so many of the things I loved doing because I couldn’t safely do them anymore.

The one thing that was a constant for me at this point in my life was reading. No matter what physical state my body was in, I could still read. So I started this blog as a way to keep track of the books I read throughout the year, posting two each week. It gave me a sense of normalcy amid the chaos of waiting rooms, emergency rooms, and appointments – and every single week, no matter how badly I flared or how tired I felt, I still posted twice.

Yesterday, I uploaded my 100th book review, and I now have about 500 followers across different platforms. If you had told me a year ago that this is where I’d end up, I wouldn’t have believed it. I know that’s not the biggest number, but for my first year on here, it feels pretty good. I’ve connected with so many other people who love books – many of whom are chronically ill as well – and it’s been amazing to see that I’ve started building a community that actually follows along with my website. It’s been really cool to watch my engagement grow this year.

I also saw major improvements with my health as I learned how to navigate the crazy waters of chronic illness. I got comfortable using a mobility aid when necessary. I got on the right medications despite the extreme anxiety I had about being on any kind of heart meds at just 27 – and I saw drastic results. I started living my life again in ways I didn’t think were possible for me anymore. I can comfortably leave my home now and know that I’m going to be okay, even if I have an episode, because I’ve gathered the tools I needed to feel safe again.

This was also the year I started getting healthier overall (I’m 50 pounds down so far!) and learning how to stop focusing on stress and start focusing on the things that truly matter. I’ve been delving deeper into my faith in Christ, and that has been the most important part of all. Through a lot of prayer and contemplation this year, I’ve finally figured out that I don’t need to have everything figured out. Sometimes it’s best to place it all in God’s hands and say, “You take care of it,” trusting that He will provide.

Thank you to everyone who has followed along with me this past year. In 2026, I have some new goals for you to follow along with – I’ll be focusing much more on writing, especially additional posts here about gratitude for the little things in life. The moments that matter most are the ones where I can simply be myself again without the fear of going tachycardic, and I plan on making the most of those moments in 2026 with my loved ones and with my God.

Oh, and I plan on reading and reviewing more books too, but that was a given 🙂

I’m praying for all of you in the new year, and I can’t wait to connect with you even more in 2026!

BONUS CONTENT: here are some of my 2025 highlights!

I got back into my habit of baking and started trying to decorate cakes better – some turned out a little more frightening than others (Bluey).

I played some great pranks

I went to the circus, despite feeling like… this

Gave a talk at my high school on the importance of music and literature in furthering culture

Decorated eggs AND kites for Easter

Had a Preakness party

Went hiking, had to lie down in a gazebo to get my heart rate down, and then this giant snake came right up to my face to raise my heart rate again

Went camping

Made it to my five year college reunion

Braved the heat at my Father in Law’s retirement party

Made it onto the beach despite a flare up

Went on more adventures with the people I care about most

Had a great visit with my cousin from Ireland

Had a great Halloween dressed as Taxes and Rolo

And I even carved the pumpkin by myself

Had movie nights with bonfires with family and took this awesome picture of Jakob and my Mother in Law