Hello, hello, friends!
It’s that time of the year again.
And can you believe it’s the first time since my 2023 post that I’m coming back here just to write a 2024 recap?
Okay, now hear me out. I haven’t forgotten about blogging. Yes, it may have crossed my mind that I should give up this domain altogether, but there is something nostalgic about it, and I think I should keep it – I’ve had it for 15 years, in fact, wowza. There is still time to think about it, as renewal is due in March, lol.
But the good news is that the writing has not stopped.
In fact, in May, I launched my very own newsletter, which I am so very proud of. It’s a collection of letters similar to those I used to write here, except now they go to someone’s inbox. Fancy that?
If you would like to subscribe, here is the link.
I’m not saying you should, but I would strongly recommend you if you haven’t already, lol.
But as for the blog, I don’t know. I feel a bit torn about it and am not very sure what would make good blog content? I feel like something nice is happening with the newsletters, but what do we do here? I did skim through some of my older blog posts, and something tells me maybe I should archive them, but honestly, most of that writing (which I don’t even remember) written without the help of Grammarly Pro (lol) has shaped the writer I am today.
Coming to the matter at hand, as we know, I like to do an annual recap and have been doing one since 2018. After I turned 30, I decided to stop making these reflections tally with my age because it was getting just too much.
However, since I feel like I owe it to my blog, I’ve had some time on my hands, and the writing muscle seems to be in motion thanks to the newsletter; I have 34 little lessons I’ve (re)learnt this year—and yes, I did turn 34 a few weeks ago.
(It’s also okay if you don’t know when my birthday is because I get slightly weird around birthdays. It’s a combination of nausea, anxiety, depression, and just general meh-ness.)
So, without further ado, here are 34 things I learnt in 2024. These are not in any particular order; some might have more than one line to them, while others do not.
- Things take longer than you anticipate. It might not always be good or the outcome you envisioned for yourself, but it’s not all that bad either.
- Comparison caused by social media is very real, and you have to keep yourself in check.
- You have enough. You don’t need more, and less is always more.
- You are enough.
- The journey towards the finish line is not linear. This might make it seem as though progress is at a standstill, but as long as you know that you are moving forward, that’s all the validation you need.
- You can make great progress in whatever you choose to do, only to come to a complete standstill and then have to start all over again.
- Adult friendships are very difficult.
- Everything is oversaturated, and you just have to learn to stand out.
- Giving more is always a good idea. It doesn’t have to be material; it can be your time, generosity, and kindness.
- But also know that just because you give more, you will not receive more. Understand that not all acts of kindness are reciprocated, and that’s okay. Learn to bask in delayed gratification.
- Learn to be in the quiet.
- Nurturing relationships, like your plants, is important. Also, the 30s have been a time to choose relationships that fulfil you. It’s okay if that means you only have two friends, as long as they are two who accept you without judgment and are a soundboard to provide you with the honest feedback you probably don’t want to hear but definitely should. On the same lines, who exactly is a best friend?
- Empathy towards others is NEVER wasted. It’s a quality anyone with intention can learn, but perhaps only in the right company is it recognised. But don’t let this discourage you.
- You don’t have to succeed in everything you try. You can learn something and not be good at it, and that’s okay. Don’t force anything, relationships, farts or hobbies – it can lead to quite literally shit, or well, injuries.
- Privilege is a very real thing.
- Money can buy access to resources that can lead to happiness.
- Take care of those closest to you.
- Give your favourite people the gift of your time.
- Grief is a difficult journey – accept each stage and emotion as they come, and don’t rush it.
- Sometimes, you don’t get the closure you deserve and you have to make your peace with it.
- As hard as it is, leave the past where it belongs and only carry forward learnings from these experiences.
- On the same lines, you have to say goodbye to things to make room for something new on your plate, no matter how hard this is.
- Get outside more.
- Speak to those who serve you and learn their stories.
- In addition to their stories, take time to remember people’s names, faces, preferences, and dislikes. Be the person who makes others feel seen while holding space for them. After all, to love, is to be seen.
- You will never have all the answers you seek.
- A lot of people are still figuring things out as they go.
- Exercise does good things for your body.
- It’s not a bad thing to admit your vulnerabilities.
- Know that you are worthy of good things.
- Notice the little things that cheer you and find out little things you can do for others.
- It’s okay to feel like you are behind on things. It’s not a race.
- Nothing is ever that serious in life; things can always wait if you or your goals take priority.
- It’s never too late to start again.
I hope this year was kind to you and brought you closer to your goals. If it wasn’t, I hope you can find solace in knowing that the year is almost over, and I hope that 2025 is the fresh start that you are looking for.
I know I’m not one to wait for the New Year to start with new things, but then it’s like how you start to read a new book, isn’t it? Not knowing what’s in store (because we don’t get a Spark Notes version!) and enjoying it as we go along.
I hope that you are able to stay in the present moment and gently remove yourself from any of the anxiety that comes with the New Year and the future. I know that’s easier said than done, even for me, but only certain things are within our control, and I think we need to grasp that.
Wishing you kindness, joy, love and happiness for 2025.
Hopefully, I’ll see you around here more? 🙂
~ Seni
#ThinkSunny🌻
Seniinthebox 