How We Survived & Thrived in 2025

As we step into the new year, I reflect upon 2025—and with a fine sugar coat I think we can agree it was rough. Between layoffs, government shutdowns, economic uncertainty, and political division, 2025 felt like 100 years. (Perhaps beaten only by 536 AD). However, not all was doom and gloom; it was also a year for growth, for healing, for branching out to our local community, and for strengthening our skillsets as artists. On that note, let’s take a break from the doomscroll and appreciate our BMSD members and some of our favorite moments from 2025.

Cameryn

Some of my favorite moments from 2025 include taking folks out on hikes and sharing knowledge of edible plants and mushrooms. It’s been a great way to grow an appreciation for our local environment, become more food-resilient, rekindle old friendships as well as make new friends!

(pictured above: my friend Brittany and I harvesting invasive golden oyster mushrooms in Iowa)

I also volunteered for the forest preserves, joining as a Weed Scout to help monitor the local preserves and remove invasive species. I used my nerdy mushroom knowledge to help the staff identify the invasive golden oyster mushrooms and workshop a plan to contain the spread.

(pictured above: A few hours work pulling sweet clover from the prairie)

During the spooky season I joined the pumpkin carvers at Jack-O-Lantern World, helping to carve detailed pumpkins for their weekend shows. This was a fun artistic challenge and an opportunity to get to bond with the local community as we were all arms deep in pumpkin guts.

(pictured above: Me and my first pumpkin)

Esmeralda

This year I wanted to focus on growing the pollinator garden in my backyard. I bought as many native wildflower seeds as I could and got into chaos gardening. Chaos gardening is a method in which you throw seeds into a desired area without putting too much thought into where or how many different varieties are planted. It was extremely satisfying to watch the garden bloom and see what new flowers would poke their heads through. My backyard was a colorful haven for bees and butterflies, and I deeply miss sitting out there and watching them sway in the wind.

This past November, my family and I volunteered at the Community Cares Food & Mutual Aid drive held in Evanston. We unloaded car after car of donations from people who wanted to help their neighbors not go hungry. The event was extremely successful, all local pantries were filled to capacity, and my hope in community was reignited. Since the event I have been proactive in connecting with my neighbors and continue to work with mutual aid organizations.

(donations piling up)

Todd

This past year I wanted to focus on something that means a lot to me, family. Spending time with my kids while they are still young is one of the few things in life that truly can’t be replaced. Every parent I’ve talked to says childhood is brief, and the years go by so quickly. I know one day the bedtime stories, spontaneous laughter, and small hands reaching for mine will simply be memories. So, I want to make sure I make the most of every moment I can with them.

Spending intentional time with my kids builds more than happy moments, it builds security, confidence, and trust. They will remember how they felt more than what was said, and being present shows them they are valued, heard, and loved. I know these shared experiences will become the foundation for who they grow into and how they form relationships later in life. Choosing family time, meals together, conversations, games or simply being present creates bonds that will last a lifetime. And I have enjoyed every minute of it.

Upon reflection, these moments of small resilience, community outreach, and spending time with loved ones are what truly shined through 2025. I’d like to carry through this momentum of personal liberty into 2026 and encourage others to learn new hobbies, use your existing skillset to make a positive impact, and inspire others to do the same. If you’re unsure how to move your brand forward in the midst of all the craziness, don’t hesitate to reach out to us—we’d love to help!