8 Things I've Learned This Year

As the year winds down and we head into the final six weeks or so, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I’ve learned about myself in 2025. There’s still time left, but these are the major themes that have really stood out. Some of them I’ve known for a while, but this was the first year I truly understood them. I honestly don't know why I am writing this now, but I wanted to put these thoughts out there while I still had them and they were fresh in my mind. So, here are the biggest things I learned about myself this year.

(1) I am Officially an Introvert and Like Doing Things Alone

I’ve always known I was more of an introvert, but this was the first year I really noticed it. I got comfortable doing things alone: going to the movies, eating out, walking and exploring new places. For some people, that might seem weird. For me, it’s relaxing just to go listen to a sports podcast or music by myself. I genuinely enjoy my own company, and that’s something I’ve learned to fully embrace this year.

(2) I Don’t Have a HUGE Group of Friends — and I Like That

Some might call this a bad thing, but I don’t see it that way. I don’t have a massive friend group. I have maybe seven, eight, possibly ten people in my life who I consider real friends. I’m not someone with multiple friend circles — I’ve had the same core group for years. I’d love to meet new people, but this is just how things have unfolded, and I’m okay with it. I love the friends I have. I’d do anything for them, and I think they feel the same about me.

(3) I'm Don't Love Studying Rec Management- But I'm Going to Finish It

Right now, I’m studying recreation management at Langara College. I obviously love sport and recreation, but this year I realized I don’t really love managing people. If you read the first two sections, this probably doesn’t come as a surprise. But I’m close to the finish line — about a year and a half left — and everything is online, so it’s not interfering with the rest of my life. I still want to finish the degree, even if I don’t see myself working directly in management. Pretty much just to say I accomplished something.

(4) I Really Want to Pursue Sports Content Creation

This is probably the thing I feel the strongest about: I want to pursue sports media or creating content— writing, making videos, giving my opinions, creating content. It’s something I enjoy, and it lets me work independently while still giving me a platform to express my voice. I’ve grown to really love it, and it’s something I want to chase seriously. I just don't know how yet.

(5) This is The Shortest My Fuse Has I've Been- And I Need to Work on It

This is one of the biggest realizations of the year. I’m not a patient person and it's reached a new level this year. I have a short fuse, and it really became clear being around people constantly or with my schooling. It’s something I’m genuinely trying to improve. If anyone has real advice on becoming more patient, I’m open to hearing it.

(6) In 2026, I Want to Train for Something

Fitness has been and will continue to be a big part of my life. For a long time, I was focused on losing weight — and now that I’ve reached a place where I don’t need to lose more, I want a new target. I want something to train for in 2026. I don’t know what that is yet, but I know I’m at my best when I’m chasing a goal. That’s when I feel like I’m reaching my full potential. If anyone has ideas, I’m listening.

(7) I’m Getting Older, and I Haven’t Figured Everything Out Yet

I’m not old-old, but I’m definitely not a kid anymore. A lot of people around me are moving into the next chapters of life — relationships, careers, moving out. Meanwhile, I sometimes feel stuck. I don’t know exactly what I’m going to do going forward, but I’m hoping that by the end of 2026, I’ll have more direction. I’m not making New Year’s resolutions, but I also can’t just sit back, and hope things magically fall into place. I need to take action — pursue a career, meet new people, push myself outside my comfort zone.

(8) People Might Think I’m Weird — and I Honestly Don’t Care

People might think I’m weird because I don’t go out much, because I don’t have a huge friend group, because I love sports and movies maybe too much, because I love writing even though it might be old-school, or even because I spend a lot of time alone. And that’s fine. I’ve got people around me who care about me and accept me for who I am. I’m not trying to impress anyone. I’m just trying to be myself, do what I enjoy, and pursue what matters to me — even if I don’t fully know where it will lead yet.

In All...

These are the biggest things I learned this year. I’m sure there are more, but these are the ones that came to mind the moment I sat down to write. And honestly, writing this all out reinforced the biggest message of all: I may not have everything figured out, but I’m learning who I am — and that’s a pretty good place to start.