Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth, Resilience, and New Beginnings

2024: A Year of Growth, Resilience, and New Beginnings.

2024 was a challenging year for many people, myself included. While I am acutely aware that others face struggles far more significant than mine, my experiences were uniquely challenging for me, and I’m grateful to have made it through — even though the journey isn’t over yet.

The year began with heartbreak.

My relationship ended in the most disheartening way imaginable: not with a conversation, but with silence. He blocked me everywhere, leaving me to end things with myself. It was a painful blow to my confidence, but I was determined not to let it define me. I rebuilt my self-esteem, adopting a mindset I’m proud of today. “His loss, not mine,” became my mantra. Though I still grappled with self-doubt and the aftermath of trying too hard to be perfect for someone who didn’t value me, I emerged stronger.

Battling Anxiety and Finding My Soulmate

Mental health continued to be a struggle. My anxiety manifested in relentless ways: sleepless nights, tears spilling over at inconvenient times, and a short temper that left me snapping at those around me. Weight gain due to my birth control pill compounded my insecurities, and my endometriosis flared uncontrollably. I switched pills twice in one year, each wreaking havoc on my hormones.

Amidst this chaos, a serendipitous moment changed everything. In March, I was ready to delete Tinder after too many strange encounters when I matched with someone unexpected. Our conversation flowed effortlessly, and late-night chats became the highlight of my days. Our first date was magical; by the second date, I knew he was the one.

He made me feel comfortable enough to be myself, with all my imperfections. When I injured my elbow during a May vacation, he stepped up in ways that solidified our bond. From helping me wash my hair to encouraging me to move in with him while I recovered, his support never wavered. By July, we’d decided not to part ways again, and in October, I proposed to him in an unplanned but heartfelt moment.

Facing Workplace Struggles and a Mental Health Reckoning

While my relationship flourished, work became a source of mounting stress. Early in the year, I was accused of stealing, an allegation that shattered my trust. When a new boss arrived, things initially seemed promising, but unresolved issues and personal burdens began to surface. My frustration boiled over, leading to uncharacteristic outbursts at clients.

As my eating disorder from earlier in the year resurfaced, I hit a breaking point one evening. In a moment of despair, I realized I needed help. I took the difficult but necessary step of going on sick leave, prioritizing my mental health over my career. Yet, this decision brought new challenges: guilt, financial strain, and battles with my employer over unpaid wages.

Even as the year closed with a grueling 48-hour endometriosis attack on Christmas, I found reasons to be thankful. Through every low point, my fiancé was there, lifting me when I couldn’t stand alone. For the first time, even during hardship, I felt a thread of happiness running through my life.

Lessons Learned and Hopes for 2025

2024 taught me that healing starts from within. Material comforts and loving people can only do so much if you’re not caring for your needs. Mental health became my top priority, and it saved me. I nearly lost myself again this year, but I fought back with more to lose than ever before.

Looking ahead to 2025, I’m determined to continue this journey of self-care and growth. I plan to pursue a lifelong dream: opening a coffee library where I can combine my love of books and connection. I’ll focus on creating space to better care for those I love.

Thank you to everyone who stood by me in 2024—and even to those who didn’t. Each experience shaped me, and I focus on gratitude for what I have rather than dwelling on what I’ve lost. Here’s to a year of resilience, dreams realized, and finding joy in the journey.

Let’s move forward, feeling lucky and grateful for every moment.