We love this Cup of Jo community, so we asked our readers to send us their favorite personal photos from 2025. We received so many great snapshots. It was impossible to choose. — But here are 11 things to do, including a surprise wedding and winning a Wordle…
Above: “100 days is a big milestone for a Korean baby. We were thrilled to celebrate our beloved baby and overjoyed to have passed the ‘fourth trimester’ myself. Becoming a mother is at the same time the most difficult and amazing journey, and we are grateful to have a community that celebrates our baby’s milestones as much as Umma and Dad do.” — Joanne
“This photo taken during a weekend getaway is a picture of my sister and I, laughing and moving through life. Two years ago I ended a 20-year marriage, and earlier this year my sister lost her boyfriend to cancer. Things aren’t always easy, but we are so lucky to have each other.” — Keeley
“This photo is from my first time skating on the ‘wild’ ice of Lake Kenai, Alaska. I had only planned to go to Alaska for vacation in February, but I ended up falling in love with the rugged wilderness and moved here in June!” — Emily
“Last summer, six months after my second child was born, this was my first trip to the beach. We live in Sweden, and after spending the entire winter breastfeeding indoors, I felt like I was coming back to life. She was so excited to swim, but the baby had never felt sand. Months later, I still tear up when I see that hand on my foot.” — Morgan
“Shortly after I gave birth, my sister flew in from England to help me. It was Ramadan, so we were trying on Eid outfits. At that time, I had to breastfeed the baby, so my sister finished reading the Quran. It wasn’t a posed photo, but I looked at them and thought, ‘Stop it, don’t move!’ This photo captures the incredible bond between an aunt and niece. “My mother’s younger sister rides the same station as my mother.” I think that is a very beautiful thing. ” — Sumaya
“My favorite photos are the bittersweet ones. In the summer, I learned that my beloved grandfather “Hoppi,” who is in hospice care, would likely not be able to attend our wedding in the fall. My grandmother and I planned a surprise “wedding” at our home in Florida. My family flew in from all over the country, and my sister served as the celebrant (of course, the Universal Life Church served as the celebrant). It was a true mitzvah for the person I have loved for 31 years. He passed away peacefully. Even though it was only a few weeks before the actual wedding, I will cherish this memory forever. ” — Morgan
“My husband took this photo of me this spring. A few months earlier, I had undergone a bilateral mastectomy and radiation therapy to treat my breast cancer. During my radiation therapy, I started knitting this sweater with the brightest yarn I had. It was all dyed by a friend. I was so excited to wear it for the first time, go to lunch with my husband, and have a day of being myself.” — Alison
“A few years ago, I went to nursing school after being a stay-at-home mom of two boys. Nursing school was incredibly hard, but I met some really great people. We graduated in May and now all work at the same hospital. To celebrate, we went on a 10-mile hike in the Adirondack Mountains. The hike was hard, but so worth it. That’s the perfect metaphor for our nursing school experience.” — Lindsey
“This photo was taken on January 1st with my 4-week-old daughter on the grounds of a community garden, capturing my first solo outing with her, the fresh start of a new year, and the beginning of feeling like I had regained my sense of self. This trip to the garden nourished my soul and reminded me of how far we had come in those first wild weeks. I felt so proud, hopeful, and at peace. It was just me and my daughter.” — Erica
“This photo was taken on Halloween at a costume party in Salem, Massachusetts. It’s me (top left), my sister (top center), and my two daughters. My sister’s family lives all over the country, so spending time with my cousins is a lot of fun. The girls are Hocus We made core memories like enjoying a Pocus movie night and riding the train to Salem during spooky season. We are now officially a union and the cousins are already making plans for their next visit. ” — Liberty
“I always play Wordle starting with a random word that comes to mind at the time (I used to play the same opening word every time, but decided it was boring). After I got a correct answer, I actually squealed and fist-pumped, and even though I was alone in the room, I looked around eagerly for someone to high-five. This is a total accomplishment, even though I know it’s pure dumb luck. Where’s my trophy?” — Katie
What is your favorite snapshot of the year? We’d love to hear from you…
PS 12 readers share their favorite photos and great reader comments, including happy moments and favorite winter outfits.
Source: Cup of Jo – cupofjo.com
