my top 5 of 2025, only realistic

Everyone else is doing it, so I thought I would too. I rarely say that. Kinda novel!

1. Released not one, but two, novels. For me and my novel-writing process, that's hefty. I want to keep the tone of this post lively, so I won't lament my "slow" pace as compared to many other indie authors. Nonetheless, slowing down and becoming less goal-oriented quite literally helped heal my brain. Probably still helps it, too. Also, please do read (and consider reviewing) Flint and Valentines! I love them!
2. Figured out that freebasing caffeine (ingesting copious amounts of coffee at socially unacceptable hours) was messing up my sleep schedule in a delayed way and causing me to wake early, despite my assumption to the contrary. I had some issues with extreme nausea about two weeks ago that put me off coffee, which was shocking enough, and I have discovered that my sleep is much better and less interrupted. Alas, I did not want to consider this path.
3. Embraced flexible and gentle sobriety. I might drink if I'm out, we’re outdoors, and in the right mindset. But my spouse and I don't generally keep alcohol in the house. This started because of how expensive everything has become, food included. I've dabbled with abstinence from booze in the past, too, particularly in times of high stress. (Hello, 2025.) Helps the immune system, helps the sleep schedule, saves money.
4. A completed year of a low/no-buy, mostly secondhand buy, and thoughtful decluttering. Aesthetically, I'm quite a dandy, so I don't mean we gave up all material possessions. But it felt important to consume mindfully and love what we own. Bonus: it's much easier to get dressed in the morning. There is also less random stuff to maintain around the home. Side-note... as part of this process, I brought some less beloved, gently used perfumes to a shelter, so consider that if you're thinking about decluttering those. I've done this years ago with a rape crisis group, too. Reach out to places! (I found this one because it's embedded in its community and openly welcoming to trans/queer folks and SWers.)
5. Stayed sweet to my spouse and friends, etc. May sound trite and even disingenuous, but I don't know what the point of anything is if you're just going to be an asshole to those you love when you're not feeling great. Have things been hard? Yes. VERY. V E R Y. Do I wish some of it had turned out differently? Absolutely. To the point of causing myself emotional trouble, sometimes. Am I perfect or wallowing in toxic positivity? No, not at all. I do, however, think you get what you put in, and try not to betray my values. This one was, therefore, a win.

There you have it. Five things I'm proud of, but they're not that showy.

What're yours? x