Looking Back Before Moving Forward: Events that Shaped Us and the Lessons they Taught this Year

    As the year comes to a close, we often look back on the moments that shaped us while quietly preparing for what’s next. I asked a few friends a simple but reflective question:

What events this year made an impact on you, and what did they teach you?

Here are their answers. 

Taiwan-based Gontan | Several moments this year reshaped how Gontan views control and grace.

    His birthday became an unexpected reminder of what it means to be seen and loved - care that arrived without asking, planned quietly by others. In contrast, a friend’s birthday taught him that good intentions and sincerity don’t always translate to sensitivity, and that love sometimes requires listening beyond logic.

    Another humbling moment came during their church anniversary, when personal struggles made it impossible to give his usual hundred percent. It reminded him that even in ministry, he is still human - limited, vulnerable, and in need of grace.

All these moments led him to one realization: he is not in control. And strangely, that truth did not weaken him, it freed him.

"I am not in control. I can plan, try, and give my best - but outcomes, timing, and hearts are ultimately in God's hands."

Canada-based Singer Songwriter Casper | This year tested Casper’s strength in unimaginable ways.

    She experienced two miscarriages - one in April and another in September, the latter happened after hearing her baby’s heartbeat (12th-week checkup). It was the first positive pregnancy after nearly a decade of trying. Though deeply painful, it gave her hope that something is still possible.

    At the same time, she devoted herself to caring for her mother-in-law during her illness (went back and forth Canada to US), only to lose her in September, followed by her grandfather a month later. Through grief, she discovered how close God is to the brokenhearted - and how much strength and healing a person is capable of, even in pain.

"So I know that it taught me that people can always finish strong even through all those pain... It is so painful. But we are also capable of healing... slowly but possible."

Arch. Carlo | A simple Christmas catch-up turned into a sobering reminder of what truly matters.

    Carlo reunited with a longtime friend - successful, well-traveled, and newly promoted - only to learn that she had begun chemotherapy for breast cancer. The news brought back memories of his own mother and left him at a loss for words.

    What stayed with him was her realization: to live life one day at a time. It reframed his own worries and reminded him that many things we dwell on are small compared to the gift of simply being present and alive.

"I have quite a lot on my plate right now. The holidays came at the right time for me to pause, stay quiet for a while, and reflect."

Japan-based Ikebana Artist Anna Budich | This year reminded Anna of two important truths.

    First, the value of health - how easy it is to ignore what our bodies are telling us when life gets busy. Second, the opportunity to write about the impacts of climate change in ikebana allowed her to merge past experience with current passion, deepening her appreciation for nature and the responsibility to protect it.

Tiffany House of Verde Klik | Tiffany’s year was shaped by situations that challenged her values, discipline, and independence.

    A failed collaboration taught her the importance of clear communication and aligned goals before committing to collaborations - pushing her instead to organize her own pop-up market, which later became the foundation of House of Verde Klik. 

    Preparing for her best friend’s wedding abroad tested her problem-solving skills while under pressure and the importance of preparation.

    She also confronted the reality of insufficient savings, leading her to create a long-term financial plan. It gave her confidence in taking control of her finances - prioritizing long-term goals while still enjoying the present.

Livestreamer Lovethejuice | Two milestones defined LTJ’s year.

    Traveling to Korea reminded her that the world is bigger than what staying in one place can teach. Seeing independence and growth in others inspired her to invest more in experiences that expand perspective.

    Passing the Civil Service Exam marked a new chapter. Despite friends preempting positive reinforcements like how “easy" the exam can be, she chose to prepare seriously - and that discipline paid off, teaching her the value of effort and self-belief.

Youtuber Louisity | Louisity’s year was shaped by redirection and self-discovery.

    A shift in career direction taught Louisity that redirection can be a gift, opening doors to paths better aligned with who he is becoming.

    Supporting a PBB housemate during Pinoy Big Brother Collab 2.0 also revealed his capacity for empathy, patience, and understanding - seeing parts of himself reflected in others.

    Reading all these responses, if you will be asked with the same question - What events this year made an impact on you, and what did they teach you? - what would your answers be?

    May this article remind you that as another year comes to an end, we are given a chance to recall and reflect on the events that shaped us. Some moments may have been good, others difficult - or even tragic - but they all share one thing in common: impact. What impact did these events bring into your life, and what direction did they lead you to? Allow yourself to absorb the lessons they carry, and carry them forward as you step into the year ahead. Happy New Year, everyone!