The 2025!

New Things

2025 😮‍💨—it was its own pastry, in its own way.

It was a good year, not because things were rosy or sunny, but because after each storm, we learned how to build a better shelter. As will.i.am once said, “Whatever doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.” Gratitude this year wasn’t about the absence of trouble; it was about surviving, learning wisdom, and recognising growth in the middle of it all.

In choosing gratitude, we begin to notice the many small, good things that quietly made the year brighter.

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The Journey of Needful Things 2025

This year began with New Things: New Year… Help Counts
(https://needfulthings.substack.com/p/new-things-8c2),
a reminder of the quiet but powerful role of help—seeking, receiving it, and giving it. Many of the “little great things” that followed were possible because help was exchanged.

Next came Things of Habit: Say… Discernment
(https://needfulthings.substack.com/p/things-of-habit),
a study on perception—learning how to tell what is good from what is wrong, and how discernment shapes everyday choices.

For the month of love, February, we explored Things of the Heart: Truer Valentine
(https://needfulthings.substack.com/p/things-of-the-heart-dfd),
breaking popular myths around Valentine’s Day and tracing its meaning from origin to modern expression.

We followed with Things of the Heart: Are You the One?
(https://needfulthings.substack.com/p/things-of-the-heart-514),
because it is easy to be “in love,” yet many do not truly understand what love is—or how to choose wisely. The piece encouraged a healthier, more grounded perception of partnership.

Then came Things of the Soul: Beautiful Are Your Feet?
(https://needfulthings.substack.com/p/things-of-the-soul),
a reflection on character, influence, and community—because the circle you keep will either shape you or slowly undo you.

Next was Things of the Soul: Conviction and Its Legs
(https://needfulthings.substack.com/p/things-of-the-soul-c60).
Conviction is not just knowing or believing; it is movement. With a fixed goal, conviction gives belief its legs.

We then shared Things of Poetry: Dusk to Dawn
(https://needfulthings.substack.com/p/dusk-to-dawn),
a poetic reflection on the death and resurrection of Yeshua—the One who gave Himself so we might have peace and salvation.

That led to Things of the Mind: You Don’t Understand Me
(https://needfulthings.substack.com/p/you-dont-understand-me),
exploring the tension of feeling misunderstood and asking the uncomfortable question: is it failed communication, or biased perception?

Next was Things of the Soul: The Making of Beauty
(https://needfulthings.substack.com/p/the-making-of-beauty).
Existential pain, pressure, anxiety, and crisis are not beauty. Healing is. This piece encouraged testimony over constant crisis updates.

Then came Things of the Soul: Sticky Shame
(https://needfulthings.substack.com/p/sticky-shame),
addressing shame that lingers—how regret, fear, and remorse can paralyse people even when they desire restoration.

We celebrated Needful Things’ first anniversary 🥳 with
Things of Poetry: Because We Dreamt Needful Things
(https://needfulthings.substack.com/p/because-we-dreamt-needful-things),
a soul-poem about vision, endurance, and the heart behind the work.

Following that was Things of the Mind: Mirror, Mirror
(https://needfulthings.substack.com/p/mirror-mirror),
a pause for reflection—looking inward and inviting others to do the same.

We went deeper with Mirror, Mirror II
(https://needfulthings.substack.com/p/mirror-mirror-ii),
examining self-awareness, personal nature, and honest self-assessment.

Next was Things of the Soul: Do You Know What Is Worse Than Poverty?
(https://needfulthings.substack.com/p/do-you-know-what-is-worse-than-poverty),
a reflection on loyalty—to belief, to values—and how the absence of it leads to cultural decay.

Then came Things of the Heart: Always Cut Allowance for Others
(https://needfulthings.substack.com/p/a-tailors-grace),
a piece about grace—letting people be, not only for their sake, but for your peace of mind.

This was followed by Always Cut Allowance for Yourself
(https://needfulthings.substack.com/p/a-tailors-grace-2),
because extending grace outward must also include the soul within.

Next was Things of the Mind: Romanticizing Introvertedness
(https://needfulthings.substack.com/p/romanticizing-introvertedness).
A candid rant—best read directly—to fully grasp the frustration behind it.

Naturally, it was followed by Things of Poetry: Un-Romanticizing Me
(https://needfulthings.substack.com/p/un-romanticizing-me),
a poetic response to realising one has romanticised a personality.

And finally, we closed the year with Things of Habit: Season of Rest
(https://needfulthings.substack.com/p/season-of-rest).
After all the running, the noise, and the pressure, the year ends where it should—with rest. Especially in a season meant to reflect the coming of Yeshua, who came to give rest.

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This is what Needful Things offered you this year—nudging, encouraging, and inviting you toward wholeness.

Next year, we will do better and be better—for a more wholesome you.

Happy New Year.
2026 already looks good on you 😋