As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself sitting quietly, looking back at a year that felt like a full lifetime packed into twelve months. It was a year of milestones, tests of faith, emotional turbulence, and hard-won peace. A year that stretched me in ways I never expected — and yet, by God’s grace, I am still standing.
Alycia: A Proud Milestone
The year began with one of my proudest moments as a mother. Alycia finally completed her four years in university and graduated with First Class Honours. Those four years were not easy — they demanded discipline, resilience, and sacrifice — and she rose to every challenge with quiet determination. Her graduation felt like a shared victory, one that marked the closing of a long chapter and the opening of a brand new one.
Sherilyn: Growth, Grit, and Gold
Sherilyn stepped into her second year of Architecture, a course that is as demanding as it is unforgiving. Balancing studio work, deadlines, and critiques is already a challenge, but she did all that while continuing to pursue her passion for dance.
This year, her hard work paid off beautifully. She won gold medals in several dance competitions, affirming not only her talent but her perseverance. Watching her juggle both worlds with such grit reminded me that passion and discipline, when combined, can carry you very far.
Cass: Strength Beyond Her Years
Cass finally completed her high school journey and sat for her SPM, with her last paper on 23 December 2025. I thought that day would simply mark the end of a long academic chapter — but it turned into one of the most frightening mornings of the year.
At 6am, my phone rang. Cass hardly ever calls me, and when she does, it is almost always because something is wrong. My heart sank before I even answered. She told me she was having UTI symptoms and asked me what to do.
Long story short, she went to school and pushed through her Chinese papers with incredible determination. In between papers, her dad fetched her from school, took her to the clinic, and sent her back again so she could complete her exams. I told her that it's OK if she didn't do well in the paper. What's most important is her health and I reminded her to inform the teachers of her situation.
I thank God deeply for protecting Cass. Thankfully, it did not turn into a full-blown UTI attack. She is still recovering and not fully out of the woods yet, and I continue to guide her from a distance — day by day, step by step. Her strength humbles me more than words can say.
A Year of Clashes and Tests
For me personally, 2025 was a year of severe clashes — emotionally, mentally, and even physically.
From September onwards, I had a minor car accident every single month for three months straight.
- When I didn’t hit anyone’s car, someone hit mine.
- When no one hit my car, my husband grazed my car.
- And when nothing else happened, a nail punctured my tyre.
Can you believe it?!
It felt relentless, as though the universe was constantly testing my limits and patience.
Returning Home to Ipoh
This year also marked a major turning point: planning and finally moving back to Ipoh.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, this was not a sudden or impulsive decision. I had wanted to return to Ipoh for a very long time. I will not go into the details here, but I can say this with certainty — I am glad I am finally back.
I am home, in my birthplace, with my soul cat by my side. And I know, deep in my bones, that Ipoh is where I will stay for the rest of my life.
Choosing Peace, One Step at a Time
2025 was a year of roller coaster rides and emotional turbulence. I still have many inevitable hurdles to cross, and I am under no illusion that the road ahead will be smooth.
But I will deal with them one at a time.
Baby steps. One step at a time.
I will no longer allow anyone to rush me, pressure me, or make me feel terrible for doing what I need to do for myself. I am learning to find peace — with myself, with my decisions, and with the understanding that I do not have to please anyone anymore.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
What a year 2025 has been.
It was tough, painful, and exhausting — but I thank God that I managed to live through another year. I am grateful for protection, for lessons learned, and for the quiet strength that carried me through even when I felt depleted.
Upwards and onwards, I look forward to 2026 — a year of changes, new experiences and the unknown. I step into it with cautious hope, grounded faith, and a heart that is slowly learning to rest.
I wish everyone a Happy New Year.
May 2026 be a better year for all of us 🙏💝
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