It’s wild how quickly time moves when you’re living it. One year can hold so much, more than we realize while we’re in it. Looking back now, I see how full this past year truly was. Not just busy but lived.
I started the year celebrating my birthday in Tulum, Mexico. Sun-soaked days, sonata freshwater moments, and a quiet reminder to enjoy where I am. I ended the year somewhere entirely different. Accra, Ghana, travel blog loading.
In between, life unfolded in ways both expected and surprising.
I rode rollercoasters, danced to live music, partied until sunrise and witnessed beautiful wedding ceremonies filled with love and intention. I shared a family vacation at Disneyland, creating joyful lifelong moments.
This was also a year of transition
I drove across the country, moving back to the South.
I started a new job.
I rejoined an intramural sports team.
I was accepted into a fully funded fellowship.
There were beginnings and endings.
Relationships formed, relationships released.
I trained for a 10K, learning patience, discipline, and what it means to show up even when motivation fades.
This year stretched me. It grounded me. It reminded me that growth doesn’t always announce itself loudly. Sometimes it happens quietly, in the act of choosing and continuing to show up.
As the year came to a close, I felt deeply grateful. Grateful for my loved ones. Grateful for a career that aligns with my values. Grateful for health, curiosity, and the ability to explore both the world and myself. I’m blessed to see another year and as I step into 2026, I do so with gratitude in my heart and openness in my spirit. I am excited not just for what’s ahead, but for who I’m continuing to become.
Cheers to a happy New Year!🎊🥂
Accra, Ghana
Time really does fly when you’re fully present, doesn’t it? Your year sounds like such a beautiful mix of adventure and self-discovery – Tulum to Accra is quite the journey! I love how you emphasize gratitude rather than just listing accomplishments; it makes your reflection feel so genuine. That line about being excited for “who you’re continuing to become” really stuck with me – growth is such an underrated part of travel. Your energy makes me wonder: do you think traveling to such different places (Mexico vs Ghana) changed different parts of you? Also, which podcast from your list would you recommend starting with for someone new to self-improvement? Your post makes me want to book a flight and a journal immediately! 🛫✍️
Wow, I’m just now seeing this! Sometimes comments get buried in the spam folder. 😂 I’m so glad you enjoyed the post!
One thing that really stayed with me after traveling to Ghana was realizing how recently many African countries gained their independence. I don’t think I fully appreciated that before my trip. Ghana gained its independence in 1957, and it put a lot into perspective for me. It helped me better understand why some countries are still developing their infrastructure and economies, while also highlighting why there is such a deep sense of national pride among the locals. On a more personal level, I was raised to be a little suspicious of people but traveling has challenged that mindset. It’s reminded me that, overall, people are good. Everywhere I’ve gone, I’ve met people who genuinely wanted to help and who took pride in sharing their culture and country with visitors. That’s probably been one of the most meaningful lessons I’ve taken away from traveling.
My favorite podcasts are Therapy for Black Girls, Her Space, Black Girls Heal, and Affirm. Do you have any podcast recommendations? I’d love to hear how traveling has shaped your perspective?