Happy Holidays, everyone! It’s been a busy year for me. A lot of things didn’t go as expected, but there were also plenty of new discoveries that made the year memorable. I thought it would be nice to take a moment to look back on the past year and look ahead to a few hopes for the next 365 days.

The biggest change this year was completing my first year as a father.

Our daughter coming into our lives shifted just about everything. It forced me to rethink a lot of my priorities. If you had asked me what I did before she arrived, I probably would have said, “I don’t know, play some games or just hang out.” Now, most of what I do revolves around her schedule

I’ve also really backed off playing video games. I just don’t have the time anymore. Instead, I’ve replaced that time with either hanging out with my daughter or writing.

Writing has been the biggest personal change this year.

I was the kind of kid in high school who didn’t enjoy writing assignments at all. I still tried my best, but it never felt natural. These days, I genuinely enjoy sitting at my desk and writing something out. The past few weeks have been a bit quiet on here, but that is because I’ve been working on a few larger writing projects that I’m really excited to share.

I can’t say too much about them yet. They are still in the works.

I’ve also learned a lot about who I am as a writer. Through the short stories and poetry I wrote this year, I discovered that I’m drawn to quiet moments with a slight unease beneath them. That balance is where my writing feels most alive to me.

Of course, I also enjoy writing blog posts about my life. I like to think that some of my stories or thoughts are entertaining to read. I have definitely done enough stupid things in my life to keep a blog going.

If I had to choose one word to describe this year, it would be insightful.

A lot of what happened in 2025 taught me something about myself. That came through fatherhood, writing, and life in general. I genuinely feel like a better, more complete person because of what this year brought.

Looking ahead to 2026, I’m hoping to see my current writing projects through to completion and finally share them with the world. The two projects I’ve started feel worthwhile for different reasons.

Once again, sorry for the vague and cryptic descriptions. I’m just not quite at the point where I’m ready to talk about them in detail. Soon, though.

I’m also looking forward to another year with my family. Our daughter is quickly approaching the toddler stage, so I’m mentally preparing myself for that shift. I probably should start running again, since I’m going to need it.

My wife and I also have some personal goals we are hoping to accomplish in the coming year. I’m optimistic that things will line up for us.

Finally, as the year comes to a close, I just want to say thank you to you, the reader. Thank you for stumbling across my little corner of the internet and taking the time to read my ramblings about life.

I hope you are able to take something away from what I write, even if it is just a small smile from one of my stories.

I’m looking forward to another year of life and writing, and I hope you will be here to read along.

Thank you, and Happy Holidays,

JT