2025 — A Year That Asked Too Much

 2025 has been one of the most tiring years of my life.

Work has not been easy. Business didn’t turn out the way I had hoped, and having to close two franchised centres was painful. It wasn’t just about numbers — it was about responsibility, people, and the quiet disappointment of seeing things not work out despite effort. Still, I’m choosing to focus on the four remaining centres and do my best for them. I hope that in 2026, they can stabilise and do better.

My side project has been equally frustrating. At times, I could see glimpses of success, moments that made it feel worthwhile — only to be followed by long periods of waiting for decisions and updates from management. That uncertainty has been draining. I hope 2026 will finally give me clarity on whether this project is truly worth continuing.

The hardest part of 2025 has been my family.

My mum was diagnosed with cancer and went through numerous chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions. We believed she was nearing the end of treatment, that things were finally stabilising. Then today, we learned that she has two new lumps. Watching her break down and cry was heartbreaking. She even talked about stopping treatment, and all I could do was encourage her not to give up, even though I myself feel scared and unsure of what lies ahead.

I hope with all my heart that she can find the strength to continue, and that one day she can return to a normal life — not just physically, but emotionally. This year has been especially cruel to her. On top of her illness, she had to see her elder brother pass away and witness an ugly dispute over inheritance money. 2025 has taken so much from her, and I truly hope 2026 will be kinder.

As for my personal life, it has almost been non-existent.

I’ve been juggling work, family, and responsibilities, trying to hold everything together. There are times I feel unappreciated, unseen, and taken for granted. Sometimes I wonder if this is simply my role — to be the one who shoulders things quietly and does what needs to be done. Even so, I continue to soldier on, because I feel a responsibility to do certain things, even when they are heavy.

Despite everything, I haven’t given up.

I still hope for better days. I still hope my mum can heal and find peace. I still hope my work can stabilise. And I still hope that one day, I can find a partner — someone to walk alongside me, to share life with, and to remind me that I don’t always have to be strong alone.

2025 has tested me in ways I didn’t expect. I don’t feel victorious, but I am still here. And for now, that is enough.

Here’s to hoping that 2026 will be gentler — not perfect, just kinder.