Reflecting on 2025 and Welcoming 2026

A Year of Endings and New Beginnings

Hello beautiful people, and welcome to the typical Good-bye 2025, welcome 2026.

As we close out 2025 and prepare to embrace 2026, many of you may have seen posts on social media discussing how 2025 was considered a year of ending cycles, friendships, or simply wrapping up anything that was left unfinished. Some of these reflections are tied to numerology, which suggests that 2025 aligns with the number 9—a symbol of closure and completion. That would make 2026 a number 1, representing new beginnings, opportunities, and the chance to envision what you want for your future.

Personal Reflections on 2025

In many ways, I find truth in these ideas. For me, 2025 was a year of gaining clarity about what to expect from others. While I am not entirely closing doors, I recognize that this year opened my eyes to the fact that I sometimes live in a bubble, expecting from people the same things I would give in return. This realization touched both my friendships and family relationships, making 2025 a truly eye-opening experience for me.

Life at Sea: Sacrifices and Growth

If you have followed my blog, checked my Instagram, or simply know me personally, you are probably aware that I worked on cruise ships for many years. My journey began in 2008, though I quit twice between 2008 and 2012. From 2012 onward, I did not stop, which meant I would spend two months at home and then four to eight months onboard a ship. This schedule led to missing important events with my family and friends, as I was often at sea, focused on building my life away from home.

Life at sea contributed significantly to my personal growth. I met my partner during these years and accomplished many things on land thanks to my experiences at sea. However, I also feel that I sacrificed certain aspects, such as deepening my connections with friends on land and spending more quality time with my family, especially my siblings.

Reconnecting with Loved Ones: Challenges and Reflections

Even in 2020, when the cruise industry came to a halt and I was home, I wasn't able to rebuild those connections with my friends and siblings. The social distancing and stay-at-home restrictions made it impossible to truly reconnect. I had hoped that being home would finally allow me to be present for a significant family event—the birth of my third niece, after missing the first two. Unfortunately, due to hospital regulations during the pandemic, I still couldn't be there, even though I was physically close.

Throughout the years, I missed out on many important moments in my friends’ and family’s lives—times when my support could have made a difference. At the same time, they missed significant moments in my life. There were times when I felt incredibly low, to the point where I needed therapy to cope, or when I was navigating a difficult breakup. In those moments, I didn’t have their support, and I know they couldn’t fully understand what it was like to live so far away with such a different lifestyle. Many people assumed that my life was perfect—that I was always traveling and earning money—but the truth is, there were many lonely times as well.

As a result, I lost a lot of the closeness I once had with people back home. Even though I have been back since 2023, the connection still isn’t fully restored, and that makes me sad. You might wonder if I have tried to rebuild those bonds. Honestly, I’m not sure. Things have changed—I've changed. I am no longer the same person I was in 2012. In some ways, I still hold on to feelings of resentment, and I sense that others still see me as the person I used to be, not who I am now. In some ways, I’ve returned to my roots and rediscovered my true self, just with more wisdom and experience.

Processing Change and Looking Ahead

This year also brought a piece of news that I am still struggling to process. I’m not ready to talk or write about it in detail, but it has given me insight into who truly supports me and who shows empathy. I didn’t receive the encouragement I expected, and while I understand everyone has their reasons, it did break my heart. I haven’t really spoken about it, so those involved may not even know how I feel. I often try to appear like everything is fine because I don’t want to be accused of “making drama,” and I simply don’t have the energy to start a conflict. Still, I know there will be a time when I finally express how I feel.

So, yes, in many ways, 2025 has been about closing doors, and I hope 2026 will be about opening new ones. Overall, 2025 was a good year. I spent more time with my family, though I know I could do better with my siblings, and while my friends were present, it wasn’t as much as I would have liked.

Embracing New Beginnings in 2026

Looking ahead, 2026 brings new opportunities, projects, and ideas. I intend to take the lessons learned in 2025 and use them to build a brighter future. I am happy with my life—I love Carlos, my dog, our home, and the projects we want to bring to life. Maybe this is the year we lay the foundations to turn those dreams into reality.

Has this year also been one of closing doors for you? Do you think numerology is right? I’d love to hear from you—send me a message on Instagram and let me know!

I wish all of you a wonderful end to 2025 and a fantastic, opportunity-filled 2026. HAPPY NEW YEAR!