2025: Mid-Year Mark

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by Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle

The last time I wrote a mid-year mark article was 2021, can you believe it?! Perhaps that’s testimony to how busy the last four years of my life has been. I have some free time on my hands now though as I’ve closed the chapter on residency, and am undergoing a period of transition. With that said, I thought it fitting to resume personal blog entries and revive this mid-year series.

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What I’ve Been Up To This Year So Far

I don’t feel as if I’ve had a chance to exhale since 2024. As soon as the bell struck midnight on January 1, 2025, back to work I went on my research paper. Once it was submitted, no exhalation either– I had to study, review guidelines and practice for exams. I took vacation leave to supplement my study leave and was pretty much a house rat, save for the few times I went to cafes to study alongside my brother who was preparing for high school exit exams. During the midst of this, my father who was ailing for some time, passed away. This was easily the roughest start I’d ever had to any year in my life.

Across May and June, I did my final examinations. On June 9, I received the splendid news that I was successful. A few well-meaning individuals had recommended that I defer writing exams so soon, and I’m happy that I didn’t come to regret my stubbornness. So, graduation is around the corner, and I spent the latter half of June celebrating with friends and family.

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I also had a wonderful engagement shoot in June and we couldn’t have gone with a better choice, Joel Photography. Even after 8 years of content creation, I’m still awkward in front the camera and we had never done a professional shoot together. As such, getting used to the lens before Our Big Day was necessary and it turned out to be so much fun. If you’re getting married, this is your sign to book the engagement shoot!

  • My beautiful monstera deliciosa (leaf is unfurling)
  • Best book I’ve read in years!

Aside from those major events, I spent 2025 tending to my plants. Look at how big and strong my monstera deliciosa has grown! I got it last summer with only a single leaf– now it has eight. I’ve also finished my first novel in years– How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair. It was a powerful read, and I’m so proud of this Jamaican poet and author who found the strength to write an autobiography despite her complex past. Having the time to read recreationally again after all these years feels cathartic. I’m excited to delve into more Caribbean, African, African American and other minority group literature; taking recommendations!

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2025 Travels So Far

Nanny Falls with woman in foreground
Gourie Cave longest in Jamaica

In the first 6 months of 2025, I only visited two new places– Nanny Falls, and the Gourie Cave and Forest Reserve. Since July, I’ve already visited the C-Pond and Rafjam Waterfalls. Look out for new posts about these gems tomorrow and next weekend.

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What’s to Come: 2025’s Second Half

The best security duo

A lot. I’ll turn 30, marry my soulmate and start a new job in this half. I’ll also have time for lots of travel and can be more active on Adventures from Elle once more. 🙂 Reviving my blog in the midst of this AI takeover shall be interesting, though. I’ve already noticed a huge reduction in my website traffic as people aren’t clicking on websites like before with AI overviews now answering their questions. But, in the words of my favourite artiste Chronixx, I’m doing this for the love and not the likes. I’m also grateful for the small but thriving community of people who still read my blog.

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Wrap Up

Thank you for reading this far! One key takeaway lesson is to always make time for enjoyment as sorrow will make time for itself. Cheers to the remaining months of 2025, and don’t be a stranger. Subscribe by email, follow me on Instagram and leave a comment. I’d love to hear about your year so far.

‘Til tomorrow. 😀

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle

Adventures from Elle is a travel blog for locals & visitors who want to experience the best of Jamaica, one adventure at a time. The blog is curated by Dr. Rochelle Knight, an internal medicine specialist and published author. She began the blog in 2016 as a medical student & wants to see the world, starting with her home country. Purchase her book 'SIGHTSEE JAMAICA' on Amazon and join her in Jamaica!

23 thoughts on “2025: Mid-Year Mark”

  5. Congratulations on everything successful so far! Residency: hosting a cry party (of joy) I’m present 🤣 on your (soon to be) marriage: congratulations…. Try enjoying it. You deserve all good things and I’m happy for you! (Still on a high from you announcing it here, last year—thinking about it makes me ecstatic 🎈🥰…. New job – you worked for it.

    As for grief? Sending you love — seeing that I’ve experienced it a lot over the past 4 years, heavily, I am clueless. Holding you in thoughts even in silence!

    I’m warming up to ai just a bit still not my fave.

    I’m committing to reading (and writing) more blogs for the summer ⛱️ don’t worry. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Awesome! And I see you plan to take on Blogust, that’s great! I look forward to the articles. Thanks for your kind words and support. I’m still processing everything quietly while making way to welcome the good moments I’ve been blessed to receive. Cheers to a great summer

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Wow, so much to celebrate. Huge congratulations on your engagement and well done on passing your exams! I am sorry to hear about the passing of your dad, Elle. The death of a parent is a universally challenging experience, regardless of a person’s age, and can significantly impact their sense of self, support system, and overall well-being.  Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you! That’s quite right, no matter the age, relationship etc. it’s a challenging experience. But, I suppose the only comfort is that it’s the natural order of life. Children are to bury their parents and not the other way around. Definitely a sobering thought but one which brought a glimmer of comfort. I hope the rest of 2025 will be quiet so I can focus on my favourite things once again. Cheers to a wonderful rest of year, Aiva! Know you’ll be up to exciting things.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Welcome back, Elle! What a busy first half of the year you had. My sincerest condolences to your father’s passing; losing a parent is tough, but I’m sure your father is now at peace. Congrats on passing your exams and your engagement! Seems like a lot of us are getting engaged and married in this stage of our lives…can’t wait to see where the rest of this year takes you, and I look forward to hearing about it! Take care of yourself, Elle 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you for these kind words, Rebecca. Definitely quite bittersweet but he got to give us his blessing before. I’ve realized this too! 30/30s seems to be the new time for weddings and it’s so cute to see. I love love. Congratulations on your engagement too and cheers to a wonderful rest of year.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Wow Elle, I’d say your life is pretty full. You know there’s only 24 hours in a day right? How do you do it all? Anyway, congratulations on everything. You dId mention the reduction in site traffic, I’ve noticed it too on my own site but I do it for the love of it.

    Liked by 1 person

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