I feel a bit guilty. 2025 sucked for many reasons and for a lot of people. And yes, I feel horrible about what’s happening to so many of you and for all the bad shit that’s going on in the world due to, well, you know who and what I’m talking about.
So why the guilt? Because for me personally 2025 was actually not that bad. Before you come at me, bro, let me explain. I met several personal goals in 2025 and worked with some amazing people to do some really fun things. I spent a lot of time with my family and my love and respect for them grew exponentially. I learned a lot, rediscovered my love of and passion for writing and even managed to have a little fun along the way, too.
I acknowledge the fact I’m very fortunate to be able to be in the world as I am and do many of the things I want to do. My circumstances are different than a lot of other people. I get that. I understand and I’m grateful for my situation.
If I’m being totally honest, though, I do feel I worked pretty hard to get where I am and made some good decisions along the way. I was also lucky at times, too. But yes, I started life with advantages and I acknowledge that. Those advantages were out of my control, of course, but they’re still a factor that’s helped me get where I am and be able to write this very important post for you today.
Setting that aside, did I achieve everything I wanted to in 2025? Not at all. But I think the fact that I kept going and managed to carve out some victories along the way is pretty damn impressive. There’s power in showing up every day and doing your best. Will you always succeed? Of course not. But you don’t give up. If you give up, they win. Fuck them.
I feel bad a lot of the time and I’m sure many of you do to. It’s hard to be upbeat these days if you have an ounce of empathy or compassion or in general give a shit about people. It’s just what we live with, for now.
But still, show the fuck up. Don’t give in. Resist. That’s what we have going for us. We may not have the money or the power, but we do have something they can’t take away: free will.
And that scares the shit out of them.
So, in 2026 try to remember to drink some water. Have a snack. Put down the phone and go outside. Look at the world. Laugh. Cry. Be kind. Tell dumb jokes. Go fishing. Take your dogs for a walk. Let the people you love know you love them. Live your life. Choose. Resist. Show up.
We’ve got this.
Image: Stan Dzugan/Getty Images
