As the clock struck midnight, officially ushering in 2026, acclaimed Cantopop singer Terence Lam (林家謙) took to social media to share a deeply personal end-of-year reflection, characterizing the past 12 months as a period defined by both triumph and sorrow. The Hong Kong artist used the transition into the New Year to provide fans with an unvarnished assessment of 2025, offering a message of enduring hope despite life’s inherent uncertainties.
In a late-night post published on December 31st, just moments after the year concluded, Lam described the complex emotional landscape of the preceding 365 days. He indicated that his year had been split, perhaps unequally, between moments of great joy and those that brought tears, acknowledging a true bittersweet experience. Rather than banking on guaranteed improvements in the upcoming year, Lam embraced a pragmatic yet optimistic philosophy rooted in the universal human need for optimism.
Navigating Uncertainty with Steadfast Hope
Lam’s candid sharing strikes a resonant chord, especially for those who experienced the unpredictable nature of recent times. Expressing an outlook that balances realism with aspiration, the artist stated, “I’ve been reflecting on the soon-to-be-past 2025—one half filled with happiness, one half causing tears. Maybe it wasn’t exactly 50/50, but I hold a bittersweet anticipation.”
This measured perspective suggests an acceptance that challenges are inevitable, a mindset reflected in his hopes for the future. He emphasized that 2026 may not automatically prove better than its predecessor, but stressed the enduring power of hope. “Hope springs eternal,” Lam asserted, using the powerful phrase to anchor his message.
The unpredictable nature of the year, spanning various personal and professional challenges across different quarters, did not dampen his spirit. He concluded his reflection with imagery suggesting resilience in the face of cyclical change: “Even if we face quarterly changes and unpredictability again, we will remain evergreen, just like normal 🌲🌦️. See you in 2026!” The metaphor of remaining “evergreen” (翡翠如常), often associated with endurance and freshness, serves as a powerful testament to finding stability amid chaos.
The Power of Public Vulnerability
Lam, celebrated for his soulful compositions and evocative lyrics, rarely shies away from exploring deeper emotional themes in his music. This latest public reflection reinforces his reputation for authenticity, connecting with a wide audience that appreciates vulnerability, particularly during transitional moments like the year’s end.
The immediacy of the social media post, delivered right at the moment of transition, transformed a typical end-of-year message into a shared, intimate moment between the artist and his followers. For many in the entertainment sector, the past few years have been marked by significant disruption, making Lam’s affirmation that life and work continue despite unpredictability a timely reassurance.
As fans and general observers look toward the year ahead, Lam’s message serves as a reminder that enduring hardship is often part of the human condition, and sustained optimism—independent of external events—is the greatest asset. His reflection sets a tone of reflective strength for the start of 2026, urging others to carry their own “bittersweet anticipation” forward.
