Glancing back at the beginning of 2025, I realize how much weight I was carrying into the year.
2024 had been deeply challenging—walking alongside my father-in-law through his hospitalization, and then learning to let go as my oldest left home to pursue his own dreams. Both experiences demanded growth and acceptance. There were things I could not stop, no matter how tightly I held on. I could not prevent my father-in-law’s departure from this world, and I could not pause my son’s college journey. Life was moving, whether I was ready or not.
When I scroll back to my January posts from last year, I see words about sniffing out new adventures, soaking in the little moments, and being open to opportunities that quietly sneak their way. And, without fully realizing it at the time, that is exactly what I did. I allowed myself to create—selflessly, intuitively—and in doing so, I touched my soul on a much deeper level.
As I look ahead, I hope 2026 begins with strength. More than anything, I hope I never lose sight of my passions. I want to keep climbing inward, exploring myself honestly and gently. The self-journey is often misunderstood. It is not about being selfish or neglecting worldly responsibilities or parental duties. It is about attending to your inner self and nurturing what brings your soul peace and true happiness, so you can show up more fully for everything and everyone else.
I spent many days and nights in 2025 reflecting on my actions—both intentional and unintentional missteps. I am grateful for every moment of clarity, every reset. I often write about “filling your bowl,” and my social media reflects that idea in many forms. I hope to keep growing and finding new ways to fill my bowls, without guilt.
While I didn’t write as much in 2025, ink—whether through writing or doodling—remained my anchor. It helps me process frustration, untangle stuck thoughts, and find gratitude in the smallest moments. Advocating for “me-time” is not stealing family time; it’s a small investment, fueling your engine so you can keep giving and leading the pack.
In mid-January, I unboxed a new journal and gave myself permission to detour—from writing neatly on lines to doodling freely across the page, experimenting with different mediums. It became an exercise in discomfort and trust, learning to enjoy the process rather than control the outcome.
By February, art prompts led me into The 100 Day Project—a gateway to stepping away from constant connectivity and being more present with my soul. What an unexpected detour my life took. I explored Zentangles with micron pens, Gelli prints, acrylics, watercolor pens, collages, Distress Crayons, stenciling, metallic markers, and more. Consistently showing up for 100 days carried me straight into summer, where my art journey expanded even further.
That consistency opened doors: abstract art, clear stamps, more intricate zentangles, improved watercolor skills, graphite sticks, and even sharing my work on TikTok. I participated in a watercolor challenge month, experimenting with gradients and techniques, and by fall, I leaned into customization. Although I already owned a Silhouette cutter, I felt pulled toward greeting cards—investing in silicone clear stamps, foil quill, metallic markers, and creating everything from my niece’s elementary graduation cards to birthday cards, and eventually Nikah and Ramadan cards.
October brought an influx of art prompts, and as my sketchbooks grew messy and full, I shifted toward individual pieces—albuming 4×6 watercolor cards. That transition gently introduced me to the world of ACEOs. I learned, experimented, and cautiously stepped into e-commerce, listing work on eBay and slowly understanding the ins and outs.
By the end of 2025, I had something tangible to show for the journey: a shop link, greeting cards, ACEOs, and the beginnings of marketing my work. It reminded me that life truly does work in mysterious ways. You have to allow yourself to try, to explore, to open doors without knowing exactly where they lead. If I had been overwhelmed by the idea of committing to 100 days of art, I would have never discovered how deeply color heals me. As a friend once said, it’s the cheapest form of therapy.
I’m entering 2026 knowing that Chaotic Sanity may be running at a financial deficit—but it has given me far more in learning, clarity, and fulfillment. So I’m allowing myself to continue exploring e-commerce in the coming year and see where that path leads. I hope to never forget myself in the crowd, to brand myself and my creativity with intention, to build meaningful connections, clear the fog, and keep discovering new layers of who I am.
Here’s to 2026.
May we all nurture our inner selves, explore what truly makes us happy, and enjoy the ride.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!