Can I just say — it’s been a minute since I’ve actually sat down to write in my physical journal. Last year, I managed to fill one cover to cover, but something about 2025 has been different. I just haven’t had a free moment to put pen to paper.

So, let’s do a quick recap.

Love life? Nonexistent.
Friends? Drama, as usual.
Job? Surprisingly, nothing to complain about — I genuinely enjoy it.
Personal life? Well… for lack of a better word, a sh*t show.

But here’s the big news: I bought a house! Well, technically a condo — but still. Huge accomplishment, right? Especially at my age. And while I’m proud, I won’t lie: I’ve been stressed out of my mind.

Let’s be honest — I didn’t fully feel ready when I made the decision. But they say you should leap when you’re the most uncertain, so… I did. Headfirst. Or feet first. Whatever the saying is.

Now, I’m in it. A mortgage, HOA fees, endless bills — it all makes me feel like I’ve signed my life away. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful. But as a twenty-something, I thought this would be my time to travel, explore, and experience life from every angle. And sure, I can still do those things — it just doesn’t feel as freeing anymore. There’s always something drawing me here.

It’s a weird feeling — looking in the mirror and feeling so accomplished, yet also like you’ve done absolutely nothing. A creeping sense of imposter syndrome. I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come, but equally anxious about what’s next.

And that fear? It’s both our biggest enemy and our closest companion.

I can’t even count how many motivational TikToks I’ve saved — all those ones with inspiring voiceovers and cinematic music. They do something to me. The visuals. The words. They hit.

And I’ll be the first to admit it: I deal with anxiety that makes even getting out of bed feel like a battle. Getting out the door? A full-blown mission.

But if there’s one thing this entire journey has taught me, it’s this: do it scared. Whatever it is. Just do it. Because more often than not, things turn out fine.

Lean on your village — if you have one. It took me a long time to build mine. But not doing this alone has softened the growing pains.

You can’t keep holding yourself back just because you’re scared. You won’t truly live until you push through it. That’s a hard truth. And I’m still learning it.

Like, how did I manage to close on a home — one of the biggest adulting milestones — but I still can’t bring myself to talk to a man?! Be serious.

Fear doesn’t go away. It’s something we’ll carry forever. So you might as well start walking with it now, rather than letting it hold your life hostage. Don’t look back one day with more regrets than memories.