Happy New Year, Good People!
I have to mention that I reluctantly shifted my gaze from the dazzling fireworks on New Year’s Eve to observe the celestial display: twinkling constellations, star clusters, steady planetary lights, and the captivating waxing gibbous moon.
Some predict — not based on the shining moon, but on Trend Forecasting & Analytics 2025-2032 — that 2026 will be a year of hope and breakthroughs, among other things. So, here’s to turning the page and writing a new, radiant chapter!
Before I ease into the new year and move forward, I always look back. So, at the start of 2025, I chose my guiding word: focus. It wasn’t a productivity catchphrase. It was a way to live sanely through what I expected would be an overwhelming year with post-election hangover energy, global crises, and constant noise.
In my post, On Targeted Focus, I wrote about narrowing attention to what I could touch: my immediate surroundings and my essential equipment: writing and support system. I didn’t realise how literal that would become.
So, in the spirit of targeted focus, community, and doors that opened, I’m sharing memorable moments and lessons learned.
1. A small brave return
The year opened in Finland the way it usually does: white, sharp and honest. Instead of snuggling up indoors, I stepped outside and did something that felt huge—I drove a snowmobile again after years of crippling anxiety. There’s an entire story behind of how pre-menopause and COVID gifted me anxiety… So, that ride wasn’t just a hobby. It was a choice to return, focusing on just one breath, one ride. Yes, it’s me there at the front, literally waiting for others to catch up. 🙂
2. The best gift I gave myself
Then in February, I gave myself the best gift of the year: I joined the Finnish-African Society as a volunteer. Often, we think of support systems as something we “get” if we’re lucky. But sometimes you build them. Sometimes you volunteer your way into belonging. Sometimes, support comes when you join something larger than yourself. Focus meant being present in my local community.
Over the course of the year, FAS became a place where my love for storytelling, the written word and culture flourished in real time. In turn, I met interesting people, had meaningful conversations, took part in energising events, and all through a shared effort. The world didn’t get less chaotic, but I felt both held and grounded.
3. A deep dive into AI without letting it steal my attention
Years ago, I was the oldest student, a Gen Xer, in an introductory class about AI. I remember how pissed off I was as I listened to the workings of AI and predictions about its future role. I also remember how the younger students, millennials and Gen Zs, were so excited about the ways technology continues to evolve.
Last year, my UX design studies allowed for a deep investigation of AI. I asked better questions, especially about its ethical use. I tested assumptions, and I learned enough to understand the tool. This was also part of focusing, and curiosity with boundaries, and not letting the loudest voices drown reason. Now, I’m in a place where I’m neither worshipping AI nor panicking about it.
4. Spring with floods of ideas, a story and a bridge
The year truly begins in spring. Fresh creative ideas arrived like birds returning. It was a good problem to have—so many stories to tell, so many directions. So, focusing meant choosing an idea that deserved my energy; and I stayed with fiction.
A story is like the wind. It comes from a far-off place, and we feel it.”
This proverb attributed to the people of the Kalahari stayed with me. Because that’s how Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s visit felt — something written elsewhere arriving here and stirring a room into being.
This was one of the moments I could feel the lineage of stories, the way literature travels and gathers people. Focus also looked like a bridge connecting continents, strangers, private acts of reading and the public act of building culture together.
5. A season to be happy. Period.
Summer doesn’t require a thesis. And Finnish summer makes one understand why people here endure the long winter with so much patience. The season brought the kind of happiness my targeted focus made room for. These were uncomplicated, perhaps unearned, but allowed moments to experience joy without apologising for it, and focusing on relationships that matter.
6. A highlight I’ll carry for years
In June, I had the privilege and pleasure of meeting the first lady of Finland (and briefly, the president). It was an experience made possible by Adichie’s book, and the shared love of African literature we foster through the Finnish-African Society.
It’s difficult to describe what that visit signified without sounding like I’m bragging. But the truth is, it impressed my heart more than my ego. It’s about what happens when you show up for something you believe in — creative expression, literature, cultural exchange… Unexpectedly, you find yourself in rooms you never imagined entering. This was one highlight of my year.
7. Finding beauty in unexpected places
Autumn held travel. Travel is a kind of focus, too, as it forces attention. It invites one to notice how the sun seems brighter in another location, the cadence of an unfamiliar language, the kindness of strangers, and the beauty tucked inside places you didn’t expect to cherish.
I found myself moved not only by the iconic, but by the unexpected. The in-between places and moments that don’t fit neatly into a caption. Maybe that was the theme of 2025: the best parts weren’t the loudest.
Even November in Finland — when darkness can sink into the body and trigger seasonal affective disorder — found me steady. Despite the chaos in the world, I stayed focused on routine, community, movement, meaning, and rest. I’m grateful for my health, and showing up for myself.
What focus ended up meaning
Focus didn’t just protect me from overwhelm. It returned me to myself. It connected me to my people; the African diaspora in Finland and the Nordic region. It led me to rooms with warm bodies and genuine laughter, and the kind of meaning one can’t measure with likes. I thought I was choosing a coping strategy, but I was choosing to show up. And to quote Phillip Lim, I was also choosing to connect with whomever is (physically) close to me.
As always, and regardless of the “word” practice, I’d love to hear about your 2025. What did you focus on, big or small? Please do share! 🙂
Nice getting know a little more about you, Khaya. Happy New Year!
Thank you, Mitch!
Happy New Year, Khaya! I would love to see a Finnish summer!
My world shrank and pulled inward over the past year. As winter unfolds here in the Pacific Northwest and the sun has embarked on its journey towards the vernal equinox, I am greeted by the sounds of tree frogs on warmer wetter days. It is one of the most comforting sounds I know of. With it comes all the promise of a new year. New life is quickening everywhere, from the swelling of buds on trees to bulbs sending shoots up out of the cold wet soil. One of the daffodils in a south facing location has bud on it already. Wishing you much joy and peace, Khaya.
Lovely to see you here, Lavinia. Compliments of the New Year! I understand about being pulled inward; the world has been crazy…
Your depiction of winter in your part of the world is beautiful, like a poem. Btw, whenever I gaze at the moon, I always remember your words about us looking at the same moon. Thank you for the gift of your words and music, always. Wishing you a year rich in creativity and joy.
Thank you, Khaya. Yes, we see the same moon and will always have that connection no matter what.
<3
Khaya, what an incredible year for you and your time of focus led you to so many new place, people & experiences. I love that in the process you found yourself and the harmony within you shines through your words. How exciting to go on a snowmobile and well done for overcoming the anxiety to return to this. Wow, the visit by Adichie to Finland must have been amazing and I’m loving her books and just bought Dream Count yesterday. Your volunteer work seems to have become a key part of your life and giving you such a new richness.
Last year I focused on finding a balance in my life and finding space within me. Travels helped a lot, reading, being with family and friends – taking the ‘must dos’ away as much as possible gave a mental and emotional freedom.
Have you chosen your word for 2026 yet? Is that for another post? Wishing you a harmonious new year filled with warmth and creativity. Hugs xx
Hi Annika! Thank you for gracing me with your presence; I’ve missed you here in Blogland. Despite the continuous chaos, 2025 was a gentler year on a personal level. And I’m grateful for every experience.
Your year sounds like it’s been good as well, with the blogging break and finding balance. Wishing you continued success in shedding the “must-dos” in 2026.
And oh, after the targeted focus last year, I’m choosing to be “flexible” this year. How I chose the word is for another post. 🙂
All the best for the New Year, Khaya!
With best wishes
Sharon ☺ 💐
Many thanks, Sharon. I wish you all things good too, this year and always.
Thank you so much, Khaya!
With kindest regards,
Sharon 💐
This is such a beautiful wrap-up. One of the best things about blogging longterm via WP is to witness the growth of our fellow writers. You are one of those people for whom it has been a joy to observe, specifically through your writing.
Happy New Year, Khaya!
Happy New Year, Kathy! I really appreciate your encouraging comment; it means a lot. And yes, witnessing fellow writers from this blogging community spread their wings and soar fills me with joy too. Here’s to continued growth for all of us!
I love this beautiful reflection. Your 2025 sounded so intentional and healing. I hope predictions for 2026 hold true as well!
Thank you, dear Christina. Say it again about the predictions! We could do with a positive turn of events. I guess we’ll have to remain hopeful. Wishing you ease and creative abundance this year!
Happy New Year to you!
Happy New Year, Tierney!
Khaya, this is one those posts that I like to absorb slowly and gain much by doing so. Thank you!
Laura, thanks to you too and always for reading. Much appreciated. Wishing you all things good in 2026!
Thank you for this honest, moving, meaningful post. It’s a privilege to learn so much about your year, your life in Finland, and the magic that the word and intention, focus, brought.
(Focus was my word for 2024 and it did help consolidate my stitch practice.)
I’m deeply touched by your kind words, Mariss. Thank you! Also glad to hear that FOCUS served you well in 2024. That word holds a certain kind of magic, doesn’t it! Hoping to read what we’ll be your 2026 word.
I have boldly chosen explore as my word for 2026.
Here’s to a year of thrilling adventures!
What a beautiful and rich post, Khaya. Happy new year to you. Wishing another year of discovery and growth. ❤️
Many thanks, Natalie. And thanks also for setting an example of how to live authentically. Wishing you a year abundant with adventure and joy. <3
Oh, wouldn’t it be lovely if 2026 is “a year of hope and breakthroughs … turning the page and writing a new, radiant chapter!” What a bright opening. I enjoyed your review of 2025, and though I’ve never chosen a word to guide me through the year, I’m going to do so now, and borrow yours! Lol. I love how it helped you manifest a successful year – by noticing and appreciating and by placing yourself into life instead of just watching from the sidelines. Another beautiful post, my friend. I hope you have a spectacularly creative and joyous 2026.
Tell me about it! Hope right now appears to be a distant, unreachable star. 🙁
Regardless, I’m thrilled that you’re willing to give the “word” practice a try. I find setting a gentle intention, like a word or phrase, to guide me for the year much easier than a list of goals. And yes, please go ahead; “focus” is for the taking. May it bring you the same benefits and more! Thanks for the good wishes, my friend. Much appreciated. xx
<3