Dr Wen_Chronicles

Thank you, 2025!

As 2025 wraps up, I’ve been reflecting on one of the most eye-opening years of my life. In January, I challenged myself to quit social media — what I call SoMe. I had no idea that simply stepping away would reveal so much about myself and give me a real sense of empowerment.

Let’s be honest, SoMe can feel like a perfect little world full of endless options, but it’s also pretty overwhelming. It invites us to show off our best moments while often making us compare ourselves and feel insecure. I’ve seen that this fake reality does more harm than good, not just to me but to many people.

When I logged off, I made a conscious choice to reconnect with the world around me — the real one beyond my phone screen. The first few months were tough, kind of like a soul detox. I started stepping away from my devices, letting go of the hold SoMe had on my daily life.

I turned off my smartwatch, limited my phone use to essentials, and focused on things I usually ignore when I’m glued to my screen. During this break, I realized something pretty eye-opening: many of the online friendships I had were just surface-level. Without SoMe, I started noticing who was really there for me — friends who became just “screen friends” drifted away, and my social circle shifted to the real world.

Why does that matter?

Because I learned how valuable genuine connections are. Real relationships take effort and being present. Stepping back from SoMe helped me become more mindful and aware of myself. I started to really enjoy quality time with people who genuinely support my growth, and I learned how to handle relationships that don’t serve that purpose.

As I sit here writing my last blog post of 2025, I can honestly say I’ve grown a lot — personally and professionally. Living in the moment, finding joy in everyday things, and expanding my knowledge have all been priceless.

I’ve also become kinder and more empathetic toward myself and others. Through all this, I learned that sometimes growth means letting go. I had to distance myself from relationships that caused unnecessary stress or pressure. It’s easy to carry around toxic influences, but shedding that baggage can unlock new paths for us.

Life’s short and precious. We only get one shot to make our mark, and everyone has their own journey. As we enter a new cycle of 365 possibilities, remember to live kindly, stay present, and be mindful. 

Goodbye, 2025; Hello, 2026!