This year is proving to be perfection for this columnist of a weekly paper. I mean, how more perfect could it be to have both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve fall on a Wednesday; our weekly publication date.

So while I initially set out to share something different this week, Monday morning, Dec. 29 I woke up inspired to muse a bit about end of year stuff.

Dec. 30 is my birthday.

I love my birthday! I especially love the timing of it. Each and every year as the world begins to reflect on the year that has passed and the one ahead, I have the good fortune of doing so alongside turning one year older.

Since 2020, the gift of turning one year older and celebrating a New Year is much more meaningful, a bit emotional and exciting all at the same time. Even as I type that my eyes begin to puddle. The gift of life is indeed a true blessing.

While I still have many years ahead of me, the reality of what is my life and how quickly it can change is never lost on me (or those close to me). I have been blessed in a number of ways and until I’m no longer physically able I’ll continue to share that.

The year 2025 personally taught me a number of things. Like many of you I learned a lot about friendship, family, love and even myself. That’s a funny thing, isn’t it. You’d think after so many trips around the sun, one would know each of these things pretty well. But alas as years go by, people change, we grow and we learn.

This past year taught me to slow down, but not stop on a whole new level. If being honest, I’m still adjusting to this new way of being. I’m not very good at it just yet, but I’m getting there. My heart and mind still feel like my 2019 self, while my body and energy level hold up as one would expect after six years of cancer treatments. It’s been a humbling balancing act to say the least.

This past year I was able to check a few things off my goal list, as well as fine tune it for the year to come. Now settled back in to part-time work and adjusted to my chemotherapy preventative plan, I’m excited to see and do more in the coming year.

Life after all is full of so much opportunity and memories to be made. I’ve shared my thoughts on this in past columns, but for those who missed it – today is someday. Do yourself a favor and stop waiting for the perfect time, it’s now.

The year 2025 also offered opportunity for me to examine what truly matters to me in this stage of life. As one might suspect, stuff is now less important, my focus has shifted to living a life full of experiences. The beauty, of course, in accumulating less stuff helps one save for more experiences. That’s at least what I’ve told myself. I’ll check back in at the end of 2026 to let you all know how that went.

Now heading into my second year on a “fixed” income, retirement life came much earlier for me than I had planned. If being honest, I never actually saw myself living a “retired life,” so this too required some shifting and adjusting in the 2025 year.

At the end of the day, the year and the start of what’s next, I can honestly say – I love my life. Regardless of the trials, tribulations or challenges, I’d be hard-pressed to remember a time I haven’t felt this way. God has continued to bless me (and now my children) in each season we have lived. As long as I can remember this has been my mindset. Perhaps it stems from where we started – being a December baby.

Viewed by the world as a negative to be sandwiched between Christmas and New Year, my mom always made it extra special. Never have I hated the timing of my birthday. I mean it’s the day I was born, what’s not to love about that?

So now, as we each look to 2026, I hope you all take a moment to acknowledge and thank 2025 for the love and lessons gained and embrace what’s to come with the hope and happiness you deserve. Happy New Year.

Teresa Hammond is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. She may be reached at thammond@oakdaleleader.com or by calling 209-847-3021.