In the wake of widespread national and global challenges in 2025, my journey as a writer has been, surprisingly, filled with joy. After embracing a role as a health correspondent throughout the pandemic, I made the shift to freelancing in 2023 and concluded a taxing eight-month investigation in 2024. This transition left me eager to rediscover the joy of storytelling.
I dove into the vibrant world of experiential reporting, attending the country’s inaugural aufguss championship, a unique performance art centered around sauna rituals. I interviewed a runner gearing up for the Taco Bell ultramarathon at a local fast-food joint, sharing laughs before our active interview. My exploration continued as I relaxed in Central Park, sipping beer and mingling with competitors for a national stein-holding title.
My adventures further led me to celebrate a New Yorker who creatively cooked family meals on public grills during her kitchen renovation mishap, and a man who bravely swam around Manhattan in handcuffs. I even took Jazzercise classes as part of my research and connected virtually with a couple who rekindled their high school romance, earning the titles of prom king and queen at their second senior prom.
As I relived these remarkable experiences, one idea began to flourish in my mind. What began as a simple night of Taco Bell and German beer with friends transformed into an elaborate celebration of my year’s most whimsical stories and their extraordinary subjects.
Imagine a lively event featuring a towel-waving performance by the nation’s aufguss champion, the delicious combination of Taco Bell delivery and Hofbrau beer, a competitive stein-holding challenge, invigorating Jazzercise, and a dynamic Q&A featuring the man who swam around Manhattan in handcuffs alongside the ultramarathon runner. Ultimately, my ensuing “corporate” holiday gathering turned out to be a resounding success.
Encouraging Reflection in Freelancing
While I don’t suggest that every freelancer copy my approach, there is great value in fostering a spirit of fun and reflection in our work. Serious topics, such as scientific research funding cuts or difficult health policy decisions, don’t always translate into party themes. However, I encourage you to reflect on your reporting year with intention, making room for an enjoyable retrospective. Here are several engaging ideas:
Create Your Own Awards
Inspired by a concept from Puttylike, I recommend crafting your own “awards” to highlight key moments from your year. Consider your favorite new contact, best memory, biggest mistakes, and lessons learned. As independent journalists, you can personalize this concept by giving out awards in categories like “Favorite New Editor,” “Most Interesting Source,” or “Snarkiest Reader Comment.” Document your awards in a stylish journal or on colorful paper to share and compare with fellow freelancers.
Make a ‘Ta-Da’ List
Happiness expert Gretchen Rubin introduced me to the idea of a ‘ta-da’ list. Instead of just drafting to-do lists, take a moment to compile a list of your accomplishments, whether big or small, from the past year. Look back through calendars, photos, and assignment spreadsheets for inspiration. Celebrating your achievements, such as landing a book deal or securing a byline in a top publication, encourages you to appreciate the little victories, too.
Take Yourself Out
One philosophy I’ve embraced is this: If you need to tackle mundane tasks, do so in an inspiring environment. Whether you’re sorting out final payments, reviewing income across different outlets, or repurposing story scraps into new pitches, consider doing these things in a pleasant setting. For instance, spend an evening in a charming hotel or a cozy café to reflect on the past year and plan for the new one. Separating yourself from the usual can ignite creativity and lead to enlightening discoveries.
Finding Joy in Freelance Storytelling: Reflecting on Your Year
In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, it’s essential for freelancers to carve out moments of joy in their work. As we approach the end of the year, reflecting on our experiences can help us reignite our passion and creativity. Let’s explore some innovative ways to celebrate your year in storytelling while incorporating a little fun.
Embrace the Power of Celebration
Make the end of the year a special occasion by celebrating your victories, big and small. Instead of viewing year-end reflections as a chore, turn them into a vibrant gathering that showcases your unique stories. Gather friends or colleagues to share tales of triumph and hilarity from the past year, transforming your reflection into an inspiring celebration.
Create Your Own Awards
One enjoyable way to reflect on your year is to create your own award ceremony. Identify the people, places, and moments that defined your year and categorize them into fun awards. Consider titles like “Best New Source” or “Most Challenging Story.” This approach not only encourages reflection but also elevates the experiences that shaped your freelance career.
Compile a Ta-Da List
Instead of just creating a to-do list for the coming year, opt for a “ta-da” list. Document all your accomplishments from the previous year, whether they are significant achievements or small wins. Celebrating every step you took towards success will not only boost your morale but also give you a clearer view of how far you’ve come in your freelance journey.
Explore New Working Environments
If part of your year-end tasks includes wrapping up finances or brainstorming new ideas, consider changing your scenery. Taking yourself out to a unique café, a serene cabin, or even a hotel can significantly increase creativity. The new environment can inspire fresh ideas and provide clarity on your past work and future goals.
Incorporate Fun Activities into Reflection
Why not turn your reflection time into an enjoyable activity? Whether it’s a themed dinner with friends inspired by your stories or a playful awards night, find ways to infuse joy into your reflections. This not only makes the process more engaging but can also foster a supportive community among fellow freelancers.
Look Back to Move Forward
Ultimately, reflecting on your past year as a freelancer is not just about reviewing what you’ve done; it’s also about envisioning what you want to achieve moving forward. By celebrating your experiences, creating awards, and exploring new routines, you’ll cultivate a positive mindset that propels you into the next year’s adventures with enthusiasm.
In a landscape where the freelance journey can often feel overwhelming, finding joy in storytelling can become a source of strength. Embrace these strategies for reflection, allowing yourself to enjoy the process of your creative work as you prepare for another exciting year ahead.
