MY TOP 5 LESSONS OF 2025.

Good evening, Steemit community! Just a few days before Christmas on December 22, 2025, I find myself in a calm, thoughtful mood that the season brings.

The streets are shining bright, even though NEPA sometimes tries to spoil the festive mood. Carols songs are playing everywhere, rice and chicken prices are fluctuating, and the atmosphere feels great. 2025 has been such an emotional year for me. I started my academical journey as a student of the premier University of Ibadan studying Human Nutrition and Dietetics after nine years of leaving college, I joined a lot choral group (most especially my university's choir as a freshman in the university), I also started working as a freelance writer in order to make a living, and also navigating adulthood as a young Nigerian. But looking back, I am grateful for all of these experiences because through them, I learnt important lessons that I will apply to 2026 and beyond.

These are the top five lessons I learnt from my experiences this year:

• Health and Balance Are Important.

This year, I learned the hard way that you can't pour from an empty cup.

There was a time in the middle of the year when I was juggling lectures, choir rehearsals three times a week, assignments, and tests, while also trying to stay active in the academic community. I thought I was invincible, staying up late, skipping meals, and relying on adrenaline and garri. But my body finally said "no more." I fell ill for almost two weeks, missed important rehearsals, and couldn’t meet deadlines. That time off forced me to slow down and refocus. Now I make sure to eat well, get at least 6-7 hours of sleep, and say "no" when I’m overwhelmed. Health isn’t everything, but without it, nothing else matters.

• True Friends Are Rare and Valuable.

2025 helped me understand who my real friends are. From those who stayed up with me to help revise for tough exams, to those who celebrated my small victories like mastering a challenging baritone solo in choir. A big thank you to my friends Eniola, Tóóké, and my entire choral group. They made tough days easier with laughter, prayers, and random voice notes. I also learned that not everyone who starts a journey with you will finish it, and that’s okay. Leaving an exhausting relationship will create space for peace and real connections.

• Consistency is Better than Perfection.

Whether it was studying, practicing vocal runs, submitting assignments on time, or pitching freelance jobs, I realized that small, consistent efforts got me moving further than I expected. I didn’t write viral posts every week, but I showed up. I attended rehearsals even though I didn't sing every note correctly. So, with my consistency, I made better grades in class, I performed excellently well at my choral group concerts, my portfolio is growing, and I am making little amounts of money by the side. This year proved to me that, progress just involves turning up consistently, even when you don't feel like it. It doesn't necessarily have to be loud.

• Gratitude Changes Your Perspective.

There were moments this year when things felt heavy, like financial struggles as a student, uncertainty about life, and the usual Nigerian economic issues. But I started a practice of writing down three things I was grateful for each night. Some days it was as simple as "I had three good meals" or "the bus didn’t break down." Other days, it was bigger; passing a course I thought I’d fail, a successful choir performance, or kind words from lecturers. That habit shifted my focus from what I lacked to what I had. Gratitude didn’t solve my problems, but it made them feel lighter and gave me hope.

• God’s Timing Is Perfect.

I learnt this lesson in a big way this year. Opportunities came at the times I didn't expect them. Is it when I was accepted into the university's choir despite not being a music student, and even I was doubting my own ability and performance during the auditions or when I found an unexpected freelance writing gig just at the time my tuition was about to be due. My faith is strengthened for whatever 2026 holds as this Christmas season serves as a reminder of God's greatest gift.

As I am preparing for Christmas with families and friends, and maybe hopefully, I will get some rest, I’m filled with appreciation for every experiences that shaped my being this year.

What’s one big lesson 2025 taught you? Or what are you most grateful for as the year ends? Share it in the comments and let’s encourage each other this beautiful season of love.

Merry Christmas in advance, and here’s to an amazing 2026!