Today marks the final day of 2025. Over the past year, each of us has surely accumulated unforgettable memories—perhaps the relentless refinement of a work project, the quiet perseverance at a desk late into the night, or the meticulous, time-consuming care given to loved ones. Some of these efforts have already borne visible fruit, bringing a sense of steadiness and satisfaction; others, like seeds buried in the soil, still need time to grow.
Equally, this year inevitably carried its share of “unfinished business” and “unavoidable circumstances”—perhaps a reluctant farewell, a plan that never came to fruition, or a lingering regret despite our best efforts. These disappointments and regrets are not gaps in time, but the authentic texture of life. They make fulfillment all the more precious and lend depth to our emotions and memories.
Effort and reward give us the confidence to move forward, while reluctance and regret teach us sobriety and the art of letting go. Together, they form a complete annual ring—each ordinary day holds extraordinary brilliance. Standing at the intersection of the old and the new, what matters is not to judge which moment is light or shadow, but recognizing that all these experiences underpin our preparation for the future.
Buddhist masters often say, “Every day is a good day.” The profound meaning may lie in this: when we can calmly accept all the gifts of the year—both the fruits of our labor and the lingering taste of unfinished business—we can step into each new “today” with a more ordinary, open heart.
Tomorrow is the New Year. May we all carry the full weight of this year's journey, striding forward with the steady pace and soaring spirit of a steed, reaping growth under the grace of time!
