As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself looking back on a year that was equal parts thrilling, challenging, and unexpectedly beautiful. It was a year of chasing adventures I loved, weathering unforeseen storms, and stumbling upon a love that feels like fate. There were high highs and low lows, but every moment—whether joyful or tough—shaped who I am now. Let me recap the key moments that defined 2025 and share my thoughts on the year gone by.

Recap in 2025

Snowy Adventures: Summits, Slopes & Champagne Celebrations

Following the mountain fever of 2024, 2025 was another year deeply tied to snow-capped peaks—climbing and skiing remained my go-to adventures, and they brought some unforgettable moments. The highlight of my mountain trips was conquering Menggu Mountain. I’d been looking forward to this hike for a long time, and when I finally reached the summit, I pulled out a bottle of champagne I’d carried all the way up to celebrate. The feeling of popping the cork against the backdrop of snow-covered ridges, with the wind brushing my face, was pure joy—hard-earned and utterly satisfying. It was a small, indulgent gesture that made the whole journey feel even more special.

Besides climbing, I also spent a fantastic day skiing in Wenchuan. Gliding down the snow-covered slopes, feeling the rush of wind and the thrill of control, was the perfect way to unwind. Whether hiking up a mountain or skiing down it, being in the snow still gives me a sense of peace and excitement that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s become a tradition I cherish, a way to stay connected with nature and challenge myself.

Thrills & Joys: First Flights & Wedding Bells

2025 also brought a unique adventure: I took a flight in a plane flown by a friend for the first time. As someone who’s only ever been on commercial flights, sitting next to a friend who was at the controls felt both surreal and exhilarating. Looking out the window at the world below, seeing clouds pass by so close, I gained a whole new perspective on flying. It was a trust-filled, one-of-a-kind experience that I’ll never forget.

This year was also a year of love and celebration—several of my friends tied the knot, and I attended their weddings one after another. Watching them exchange vows, full of happiness and hope for the future, made my heart warm. I genuinely felt happy for each of them, knowing that they’d found their person to walk through life with. Little did I know, one of these weddings would change my life too.

At a friend’s wedding, I had the incredible fortune to meet Ms. Zhao—my girlfriend now. I still remember the moment we met; it felt like the world slowed down a little. I’ve always heard about serendipity, but I never thought such a beautiful coincidence would happen to me. It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am for that day. Watching my friend promise to protect his bride forever during the ceremony touched me deeply, though I didn’t make any grand promises then—back then, I was just captivated by this warm and easygoing girl. Later, when she became my girlfriend, I silently made that same promise to myself: I would protect her, just as my friend promised his bride. She’s the kind of person who makes every day brighter—she’s willing to join me in everything I love.

We take walks together after work, share meals, wander around malls, and work out side by side. When I feel like having a drink, she’s right there with me. On weekends, we often get together with friends for a casual drink too. That’s probably one of the best things about living in a small city—there’s always time for these simple, warm moments with loved ones. Having her by my side has made even the most ordinary days feel special.

Wanderlust & Tropical Adventures in Xishuangbanna

2025 was also a year of travel, and among all the places I visited, Xishuangbanna left the deepest impression. The Southeast Asian-style lifestyle I’d only seen on TV became a reality for me during those days. From the lush tropical scenery to the unique local food and customs, every part of the trip felt like an adventure. The most thrilling part was hiking in the tropical rainforest—every step was filled with unknowns, and my adrenaline was pumping the entire time. You never knew what might be around the next corner: snakes, scorpions, or other exotic creatures. It was a little scary, but mostly exciting—reminding me of the thrill of exploring the unknown. That hike in the rainforest is now one of my favorite travel memories.

Challenges & New Beginnings: Losses, Return to Work & AI’s Blessing

While 2025 was full of joys, it also had its share of tough times—times that tested my resilience. The cryptocurrency market crash hit me hard, resulting in significant losses. To make matters worse, the failure of my startup added to the financial burden, making life even more difficult. I had no choice but to return to work, ending a year-long break from the 9-to-5 routine. Looking back, though, that year of rest was exactly what I needed—I felt fully recharged and ready to jump back into the workforce.

One silver lining amid these challenges was the support of AI. With AI’s assistance, my work became surprisingly easier than I’d expected. Tasks that used to take hours now could be completed in a fraction of the time, and complex problems felt more manageable. The convenience AI brought was unprecedented; it took a lot of the stress out of returning to work and helped me adapt quickly to the new rhythm. It’s a reminder that even in tough times, technological progress can offer unexpected relief.

Reflections from "以日为鉴"

Amidst all the traveling and adventures, I also made time for reading. This year, I carefully read Learning from the Past: Japan's Lost Thirty Years. The book’s detailed analysis of various industries in Japan during its bubble economy era— including education, healthcare, and medical services— was eye-opening. It sorted out the root causes of many social problems in Japan, and I couldn’t help but draw parallels to the society I live in today.

Reading this book made me think deeply about issues like career stability, social pressure, and the balance between economic development and people’s well-being. It reminded me that history often repeats itself, and that we can learn valuable lessons from the experiences of other countries. This reflection has influenced my outlook on life and work, making me more mindful of my choices and their long-term implications.

What to Expect in 2026

2025 taught me to embrace both the joys and the hardships, and to cherish the unexpected blessings that come along the way. For 2026, I hope for a year of stability, growth, and continued connection with the people I love. Here’s what I’m looking forward to:

Continue my mountain adventures with Ms. Zhao—maybe bring her along for a snow hike or a skiing trip, sharing the joy of the mountains with her.
Plan a trip with Ms. Zhao to a place she’s always wanted to go—exploring new places together will surely create more wonderful memories.
Deepen my professional skills with the help of AI, making my work more efficient and fulfilling.
Be more prudent with financial decisions, learning from the losses of 2025 and building a more stable financial foundation.
Spend more time with friends and family—attend more gatherings, and maybe help plan some small get-togethers.
Keep exploring new hobbies with Ms. Zhao—whether it’s trying a new sport, learning to cook, or anything else that sounds fun.
Read more books on personal growth and finance, gaining more wisdom to navigate life’s ups and downs.

2025 was a year of contrasts—adventure and stability, loss and gain, loneliness and love. I’m grateful for every experience, as they’ve made me more appreciative of the good things and more resilient in the face of challenges. I hope that on December 31, 2026, I’ll look back with a heart full of gratitude, having lived a year that’s meaningful and joyful.