2025: Reflections on a year of change

Yes, it is that time of year once again: The end of it, when I look back at all that I did (and that I didn’t do). It’s been a year of change, and the wheels are in motion that will lead to big changes in 2026, too.

No, the changes haven’t been “life-altering”. Nor will the (expected) upcoming changes be. Indeed, the changes I’ve faced are the changes I expected. But change is hard, even when it’s good.

The big, easy-to-identify changes in 2025 start with my change in citizenship status. Yes, 2025 saw me finally become a British citizen, leaving behind the trauma and expense of visas and immigration. That change also made it easier for me to move closer to my change in driver status – a change that will really take place in 2026. And that change will mean a domino effect of changes and opportunities throughout 2026 and beyond.

Another noticeable change is the change in “place”. Family place and my place in the family: Dad has decided to sell the family home and is now staying with my youngest sister. I’ve gone from being the one who “took care” of Dad when I’m home to being an accessory. I’ve also increased my efforts to clear the family home, which will be sold in 2026 (assuming all goes to plan). The level of emotional reflection for this change, and the memories it will evoke, is equal to the immense physical work I’ve been doing (and still need to do) to get the house ready for sale.

These changes have also meant changes around Castle Ryan, as I am starting to bring more of my treasures home, like the antique clock Paul and I bought. And some of my parents’ treasures, too, like Mr Bali Hai. (Including some of the dining room wallpaper!) Again, this will increase in 2026 after the sale of the family house, when I won’t have my childhood bedroom to store my treasures any longer.

Of course, the change isn’t all “noticeable” change. I’ve been experiencing changes in my approach to life, which ties to my 2025 goals to review, rescope, and refocus. I’ve not been as successful in this as I’d hoped, but I have certainly made some progress. I’ve simplified some of my projects so that I am doing what is feasible rather than what is imaginable. And I’ve been reminding myself of a favourite mantra: “Good enough is good enough”. That doesn’t mean all my dreaming is out the window, but it does mean that I can see a change in how my task list is coming along.

Yes, 2025 has been full of change. But I have experienced a lot of change in my life. Some of the biggest changes have been forced upon me, whilst others have been led by me (although sometimes because of the forced changes). Regardless of the direction of change, I know the momentum of change is generally unstoppable. And so, I will continue to adapt and move forward with whatever changes I’m faced with.

As this is a reflection post, I should share some highlights of the year. So, here are a few stories of note from 2025:

• Citizen Frances: I became a UK citizen in February
• Provisionally speaking: I (finally) got my UK provisional licence
• Holiday time, Chicago style: A spring getaway to Chicago with a friend
• The Homeland in the Heartland: Some of my family came to see me in Scotland
• Summer 2025 ends here: I had several mini adventures as part of my summer holidays
• Fabulous Philadelphia: An autumn getaway to Philadelphia with a friend
• Walking dictionary: My Halloween dictionary dress
• Giving thanks for love and friends: I hosted Thanksgiving for friends

We’re nipping at the heels of 2026, and I am ready for it. I am ready to face the challenges and changes, the joys and sorrows. I recognise that I will face many of these things on my own, but I know that there will be family and friends to help me through as the new year unfolds.