A Lookback to 2025 and Getting Back into the Swing for 2026

Watching and reading posts and content recently, I see that many people have created admirable goals and aspirations for 2026. This has left me feeling that perhaps I have missed the boat somehow. Though my inclination is to pass on creating or setting resolutions, I thought maybe it was time to reflect on the year quickly and look to moving forward with more intention. As I mentioned, resolutions are not part of my vocabulary, as I am almost certainly doomed to fail (like the thousands of new gym memberships that languish after February every year).

2025 was a challenging and emotional year, but there were some very positive and uplifting things as well. The last portion of the year, I did find myself struggling to get back in the swing of reading and writing consistently. Although I was not creating content for this blog, I was journaling, and that is very often a very personal and therapeutic endeavour.

Self- "Just Start Writing and Reading!"

However, the keyboard has been calling to me these past couple of weeks. It's almost as if my laptop was sending me dirty sideways glances as I walked past and found any other project to do instead of just sitting down and writing. As if cleaning the kitchen floor, scooping the cat box, or sorting through old papers were more enticing than penning my musings down. There are so many thoughts and ideas I have for the blog, and they won't get on here if I find any other excuse to procrastinate. In a nutshell, I retreated the last half of the year, and it's more than time for me to get moving along.

The many changes this past year have given me ample time to look back and reflect on life, what means the most to me, how to achieve personal satisfaction, how I can help others, and utilize this creative outlet. I started back on YouTube briefly and that has been a struggle, as I am not certain how I feel about it. I do plan on getting back, as there are so many books to discuss! However, with all the challenges of life and career changes of this past year, I am taking some time to try all sorts of things and see where I find my sweet spot. As a mood reader, concentrating has been a struggle, but I am now not feeling any guilt if I walk away from a book that does not connect with me at this time. I am working on another post about some of the best books of 2025 that left me still thinking about them, even now.

Two Weeks in Kent and Sussex, England, and Getting in the Swing of Reading Again

In late October and early November, I was in England, visiting Windsor again and touring multiple National Trust (and other properties) in Kent and Sussex. Charity shops became favorite haunts to search for British authors that I could not easily find paper books of in the States. This year, I also picked up a couple of books from the Winchester Library for a pound! I did a little happy dance with that purchase. But, let me tell you, what an amazing library!! More on that to come. And of course, every second-hand book shop at a National Trust property was a beacon for me. I did check a bag for the return flight to carry the 20-plus books that I purchased in Britain. Below are two books I purchased second-hand and read during my trip. For some two books in two weeks is not much, but I was thrilled that two books gripped me and helped get me reading consistently again.

My New Writing Space

One of the other changes this year has been to create a writing/library space in the house.  A friend was downsizing, and she gave me some pieces of furniture to turn my mother's old bedroom into a library/office. From the desk, I can look out the window at the birds feeding at the feeder and bathing in the bath.  Jokingly, I told someone that I must be getting older, as watching the birds at the feeder has become one of my favorite pastimes. The other window affords me a view of almost half of the yard and part of the hillside.  An earlier version of the office in another part of the house, and I was staring out a window to the driveway. Does the phrase 'fish bowl' mean anything to you?  But now, this room with cottage vibes that Mom was so excited about is coming together with the furniture, books, and personal momentos. It gives me such pleasure to be sitting here at the desk with some relaxing instrumental music playing and knowing that this is a space for me to create.

So in Closing...

This rambling missive marks my return to posting and moving forward.  I am currently writing down all the content ideas that have been percolating in my little gray cells.   There are so many bookish delights, books to read, thoughts on reading, and more.  Planning and embracing the garden this year, to continue what my Mother had made, but also making more of my own imprint as time goes on.  Returning to the kitchen and trying new recipes from my collection of cookbooks, ranging from Julia Child, the Frugal Gourmet, to Delia Smith, and many in between. And in those moments of mental idleness, pondering what new travel ideas are piquing my interest. And to top it off, I am fully embracing my daily planner, book, and gratitude journals.

So I wish you all the best start of a new year, and here is to all of us reaching for interests, creative outlets, and finding the simple joys that make life so special.

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Best-

Sharon