Looking Back with Intention

As the year draws to a close, I find myself taking the time to pause and reflect. I’ve been looking back not only on what I’ve done, but who I’ve become in the process. Every book I read, every page I wrote, saying goodbye to every closed chapter and saying hello to new ones. So many things have shaped this year in visible and subtle ways.

The Bibi Edit has grown in unexpected ways. What started as a personal space to explore thoughts and ideas is starting to blossom, to evolve into a community of readers, fellow creatives and kindred spirits. But it hasn’t just been a professional growth. It has also been a deeply personal growth. I’ve had to learn to be patient when encountering setbacks, learned humility in moments of unexpected success and resilience when plans didn’t unfold as I hoped they would.

“Growth is often subtle. The accumulation of small steps, small choices, and small joys makes the year meaningful.”

Milestones and Moments

Upon reflection of this year, there are some milestones that clearly stand out to me. From launching a series of blog posts, applying for and getting into a creative networking programme to FINALLY getting round to finishing a book that had been collecting dust on my desk, everything felt like a small victory to me. Some of the most lifechanging moments were quieter. Getting up early to set intentions for my day, watching private movie screenings and being in the room with multiple well-known people in Hollywood, taking charge of my fitness by starting to go jogging.

But with also celebrating the wins, I’ve also learned the value of embracing imperfection. Not every plan that I made came to fruition. Some things didn’t work out the way that I wanted them to. These moments where God said “no” or “not yet” taught me just as much, if not more than the successes. These moments showed me that progress isn’t linear. There are moments where the constant “no” become a yes so fast that you head will spin and moments where no matter what you do, the boulder of doubt that you’re doing the right thing threatens to flatten you with its lies. Creativity comes from the edges of our comfort zones and being patient with yourself is one of the best attributes you can have.

Lessons Carried Forward

This year has shown me that reflection is more than just looking back. It’s about understanding how experiences shape our present.  I’ve been learning to celebrate small wins, acknowledge growth, no matter what form it comes in and show gratitude even in the situations that tested me.

I fell back in love with reading. Craving something different, I introduced myself to other genres, poetry, lifestyle. Expanding my range of books offered new perspectives and gave me comfort in quiet moments, while also giving me inspiration for new and exciting ideas. Writing helped me to anchor my thoughts and express my creativity.

Gratitude in Practice

Gratitude has been the thread weaving the year together. Gratitude for the people I encountered this year, for the readers and followers who have been engaging with my work, for the quiet moments that allow me to reflect and even the moments of struggle that revealed resilience I didn’t know I had.

“Every chapter of the year, no matter how small, contributes to the story of who we are becoming.”

Expressing gratitude doesn’t erase difficult times. It frames them. Gratitude allows us to honour the lessons that we’ve learned and embrace the potential of the unknown. Looking back with intention is an acknowledgement of effort, presence and growth.

Looking Ahead

As I close this chapter of the year, I carry forward lessons and inspiration. I know that the new year will have its own set of challenges, but reflection has allowed me to truly understand my priorities and passions. I step into the next chapter with curiosity, hope and an openness to the unexpected.

This reflection is both a beginning and ending. Ending the year with gratitude and clarity makes space for new intentions, creative ideas and moments of stillness in the coming year.

And I can’t wait to see what’s next.

I’d love to hear how 2025 shaped you. What lessons are you carrying forward into the new year? Share your reflections in the comments below!

Some of the lessons this year reminded me of what it means to finally show up for myself — I wrote more about that in The Friend Who Always Showed Up.

See you in the next one!

Bibi x