As the current dystopian nightmarish Hellscape of a Timeline we’re living in is more than exhausting and draining, I was looking for some beautiful, wholesome moments this year has brought me and the collective humankind (if I may say so). Lo and behold, I found some things, and I didn’t even need a microscope or magnifying glass to spot them. I simply went through some journal entries, blog posts and other social media stuff, whilst contemplating life, the Universe and everything.
And well, dear readers, let me share them with y’all:
OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES:
Especially American figure skater Alysa Liu. Born in 2005, she started skating at the age of 5 and quickly emerged as a future star on the ice. In 2022, she suddenly stepped away from the sport, stating she’d been satisfied with her career so far (competing in the Olympics, various World Championships etc), but only later opened up that, in fact, she felt her entire life was skating, skating, more skating and not much else, so she wasn’t fully enjoying it anymore. Same for her activities on social media which she felt wasn’t really “worth it” and also took too much attention from her; later on, she publicly stated that she, in fact, was diagnosed with ADHD.
Fast forward to 2024, and she announced that she was coming back, but wanted to be HERSELF on the ice, not so much the “skater everyone wanted her to be”. It was disco time on the Olympic ice and she skated away with the gold medal.
I am not much of a figure skating fan, tbh, but it was exciting to watch her skate that night.
In a way, I find her story inspirational. She figured out that she wasn’t really into her sport anymore, that it consumed her life, and decided to take a break to sort everything out. When she felt she was ready again, she returned and is having fun again.
PROJECT HAIL MARY:
Excuuuuuuuuuse me!? That movie???? An actual emotional rollercoaster. There were moments when I laughed out loud, some others when I sniffled, and overall was entirely engrossed in it. If you haven’t seen it because SciFi isn’t your cup of tea – it isn’t fully mine either, but that film was OMG, y’all. I watched it on a Sunday morning at 11am and didn’t know what to do with myself afterwards anymore.
The visuals.
The friendship between Rocky and Ryland Grace and the way they both teach each other valuable things. The communication that develops between them.
How can you possibly NOT love Rocky …question.
ARTEMIS II:
Since we’re talking about astronauts …
As a kid, I was already fascinated with the universe, and at some point wanted to become an astronaut myself. It obviously never worked out, but that’s another story for another time.
However, the Artemis II crew essentially became everyone’s collectve Emotional Support Astronauts. Their joy. Their adventure. Their trip around the moon. Their mascot “Rise” which is stinkin’ adorable.
And everything that was posted and shared on social media really wrecked me in certain aspects and stitched me back together in others. Some hope in trying, dark times.
Copy. Moon joy.
WORLD CUP:
I am honestly not as invested in the sport as a whole anymore, as you know by now, and I wasn’t sure whether I was really going to follow it because …reasons. However, in the end, I had several games on as backgroud noise, and here are some of my highlights:
Cabo Verde:
the African island nation debuted at the 2026 World Cup. They came out of nowhere essentially and surprised everyone. They played their first ever World Cup game vs later Champions Spain and held them to a goalless draw, and especially their goalie, Voizinha, became an instant phenomenon on the internet. They played Uruguay next, 2-2 draw, and their last group stage game vs Saudi Arabia ended in another 0-0 draw. They then held Defending Champions Argentina to a 1-1 draw in regular time in the Round of 32, but eventually came up short, losing 2-3 in extra time.
The joy these underdogs brought was definitely something else. (And I also loved how the folks on Curacao celebrated their first ever goal vs Germany as if they’d just won the whole thing.)
Norway:
Another absolute surprise team, imo. Not just because of Erling Haaland. But they kicked out Brazil. Which was another upset. But seriously – their social media team did one heck of a job, so did the team’s photographer by publishing three different team photos – the Vikings, the players in their respective youth club’s jersey, and finally and absolutely color coordinated team photo. They were so refreshing to watch – Viking Row between team and fans included.
And also: Haaland stepping off the plane carrying a stuffed raccoon?? Excuse me??
Scotland:
Well, more their legendary fans, the Tartan Army. Like, they were proper shipping up to Boston, including kilts, bagpipes and the whole kit and caboodle, drank up the city’s entire beer supply and had themselves a jolly good time. Decorating the city with traffic cones included. Sure, the team didn’t manage to win a single game, but damn, it was so heartwarming to watch the Tartan Army doing their thing. I love them. Honestly.
USA: “Yay, it’s World Cup time!”
Tartan Army: “Nae, it’s Tuesday. Slainté!”
Well then. So far, these have been the – FOR ME – most wholesome moments 2026 had to offer. Moments that made me forget the current Shit Show that is going on. That made me feel something else aside from dread. And if you have anything you would like to add, please let me know in the comments. Fist my bump!
*****
photo: mine (yes)
