Jacqueline Ashwell has just released a short game based around journalling! Though it’s meant to be accessible anytime you’re feeling contemplative, it works especially well for this transitional period between one year and the next. It’s a nicely immersive little experience with a warm voice, and I really enjoyed sitting with it for a moment to reflect and look ahead.
If you can spare about 30 to 60 minutes—which includes time to fetch a nice drink and get cozy in your physical surroundings—at some point in the next few days (or whenever this thread finds you in an introspective mood), you’re invited to come sit at the dining table for a bit of shared reflection!
With no pressure or expectation for anyone else to do the same, I’ll share a few thoughts that emerged from my own playthrough:
My reflections on 2025 and hopes for 2026
In 2025, I aimed to focus my energy on things I can change, and spent less time in negative situations or spaces. I also tried to reframe my thinking on consumption, shifting away from accumulating too much material stuff unless it’s especially useful or meaningful. Those were great changes for me, and I’d love to continue that positive trend in 2026!
Two prominent and enduring sources of joy in 2025 were my amazing partner (who’s always so wonderfully curious and supportive) and the IF community (to whom I owe so much of my artistic development). It’s incredibly fulfilling to be here, exploring the rich shared history and exciting future of our medium alongside so many generous, passionate and creative folks! I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Over the past few years I’ve steadily been getting better at managing my time and commitments (installing a solid to-do app has been lifechanging), as well as keeping clear lines of communication where needed. But I’ve still been overreaching at times, and carrying significant amounts of stress. I’m committed to parting with some of the pressure I’m putting on myself by setting achievable goals, re-evaluating assumptions I’ve been making about what kind of tasks I should take on at what times, and redirecting my energy to where it’s most needed.
I was feeling extremely anxious at the start of 2025. I was dealing with health issues while also working on a big contract a family member asked me to take on back in 2024—which ended up being much tougher than I expected and practically burned me out after months of delays. Looking back, I’m relieved I was able to eventually be honest about my limitations and struggles so we could find a resolution, and I’ve gained a much better feel for when it’s better to ‘disappoint’ people early on rather than keep committing to something I might not be able to handle.
Heading into 2026, I’m especially excited about working on more IF projects! I still sometimes struggle with self-doubt, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and other terrible feelings… but I’ve learned so much from pushing myself to finish and publish games, and people have been so helpful and lovely—and I think I’m actually starting to get to a better, slightly more confident place in my creative journey. If I can just keep improving my craft in some way or at least have a small positive impact on the world, that’ll be a successful 2026 in my book!
Cheers to everyone working on themselves (or taking care of themselves) in any big or small way during the coming year! I hope you all find the joy you deserve.