I have been trying to reflect and celebrate my achievements more. As a perfectionist, this is really hard for me because I am constantly raising the bar for myself and nothing seems to be an achievement.
But there is so much I can celebrate about myself, so I want to take a moment and do that. This reflection also serves a reminder that small wins are just as equally important as the big wins. All wins are important and help us to develop into the person we are becoming.
So here are the things I am proud of in 2025:
Another year of good mental health. It was not that long ago where I was really struggling mentally and really taking it day by day. I am happy to say that 2025 saw the second year in a row of stable, good mental health. How grateful I am to be at this stage can’t be expressed in words. I am proud of myself for not giving up.
Another year of consistent therapy. 2025 saw my fourth year of consistent therapy. Therapy has been so good for me and has helped me develop tools to manage my anxiety and depression as well as learning to understand myself more.
Devoted more time to writing. Writing has always been one of my first loves but something I usually do not prioritized. This year saw me develop the habit of devoting more time to writing that I am hoping I keep going in the new year.
Built community. Over the year 3 years I have been working hard on building up my community. As an introvert this has been a challenge but at the same time it has been rewarding. I am proud of the strides I have made so far!
Developed accounting skills. If you would have told college me (a literature and history major) that I would end up doing accounting I would have laugh at your face, but here I am! In a way I am facing something that I fear I would never be able to do and I am proud of myself for that.
Having a positive impact on others. At my previous job the leadership team made it sound like I was not a good person or employee, and no one liked me. I felt like I was a toxic element in a toxic work environment. I felt defeated and broken. But as I left that job, I actually learned that I had a positive impact on many of my co-workers over the years. I could not believe it the first time I learned this and I still struggle to believe that it is true. I am so touched that I was able to have a positive impact on others. This has truly meant so much to me.
New country unlocked. 2025 saw me in Latin America for the first time! I was blessed enough to visit Eduardo for the first time and meet my new extended family. I am so thankful for this opportunity to learn about a new culture.
New books read. I am a huge bookworm, so I am happy that over the past year I was able to further enjoy new books! Reading always fills my soul.
Left my toxic work environment. Probably THE highlight of 2025 was me FINALLY leaving my toxic job! This has been five years in the making; five years of struggling and being destroyed. I already feel like a dark weight of a thousand pounds have been lifted but the journey is only begun. I have a lot of healing that needs to be done. Though I know this work will be tough and will take a while, I remain hopeful for progress in 2026.
I am thankful for the growth and progress I have made in 2025. Though it has been a challenge, I am looking forward to 2026 and more continued growth.
Take a moment and share with me your accomplishments of 2025 in the comments! No accomplishment is too small or insignificant- all of them matter. And I have learned that usually the “small things” actually matter the most.
Here is to 2026!
Caroline Evans 
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