—My Annual Favourites

Decided to get my Obama on and list out some of my favourites consumed over the past few years. Love to look back on who influenced me in recent years and how tastes have changed in certain areas, and others still resonate today.

There is something quietly satisfying about looking back at the media, books, and experiences that shaped a given year. Annual lists, in particular, offer a snapshot of personal taste at a specific moment—capturing what resonated, what challenged, and what simply brought joy. Over time, these collections reveal subtle shifts in perspective, showing how certain interests fade while others deepen into lasting passions. What makes these retrospectives compelling is not just the items themselves, but the context surrounding them: the mood of a season, the recommendation from a friend, the unexpected discovery that stayed long after the credits rolled. They become a kind of informal diary, documenting growth through the lens of what we choose to consume.

For someone who considers themselves a passionate reader and tech enthusiast, curating annual favourites is as much about self-reflection as it is about sharing. The exercise forces a certain honesty—what truly stood out versus what was merely entertaining in the moment. Books that challenged assumptions, podcasts that reframed familiar topics, or films that lingered in the mind for days afterward all earn their place on the list. There is no single formula for what makes the cut; it is a deeply personal curation process. Yet the act of compiling and sharing these selections invites conversation, comparison, and the occasional discovery of something new from someone else's perspective.

Looking back at older annual lists reveals how tastes evolve, sometimes in unexpected ways. A genre once dismissed might suddenly click, or a creator whose work went unnoticed becomes a significant influence. These archives serve as a reminder that personal growth is rarely linear—it is marked by detours, rediscoveries, and the gradual refinement of what one values. The lists from previous years are not just records of consumption; they are benchmarks of change. Revisiting them offers a chance to see how exposure to different ideas, stories, and perspectives has quietly shaped the way one thinks, writes, and engages with the world around them.

The promise of more content to come reflects a commitment to consistency and thoughtful curation rather than volume. In an age of endless content streams, taking the time to reflect on what truly mattered feels increasingly valuable. These annual lists are not about exhaustive coverage but about meaningful selection—highlighting the works that left a mark, the voices that offered new insight, and the moments of genuine delight. Whether revisiting past favourites or anticipating future discoveries, the practice of keeping these records creates a thread of continuity through the years. It is a small but intentional ritual, one that honours both the art of consumption and the joy of looking back.