2024 - That’s a wrap
Somewhere between waves crashing, sunsets painting the sky gold, diets starting for the 100th time, breathless laughter, new faces, and old, 2024 constantly taught me something invaluable: stop rushing to the finish line. Find your pace—and learn how to maintain it.
I walked into this year thinking it was about ticking off resolutions, achieving everything on my vision board, and running faster toward the life I envisioned for myself. Instead, I continuously learned that some seasons are less about sprinting and more about being still, recharging, and building the endurance to go the distance.
There were habits I kept and some I let go of. One new thing was starting therapy because it’s the least I owed myself—and wow, it has stretched me in ways I never expected, but in the best way. Vulnerability felt foreign at first, but it’s become one of my greatest tools for growth.
This year, I also had the joy of experiencing Christmas in Portugal—a celebration steeped in rich traditions and surrounded by the sweetest, kindest hearts and souls. I met new people who welcomed me warmly, and I couldn’t help but reflect on how the me from a year ago would have been riddled with anxiety and run from the thought of meeting new people. This was a challenge I set for myself in 2024, and it’s one I’ll continue into 2025.
This year also brought me something surreal—seeing some of my favourite musicians live. Boyz II Men, Dru Hill, Donell Jones, and Brian McKnight, to name a few. Nostalgia hit me like a tidal wave, and it felt incredibly grounding to hear some of my favourite songs I grew up on performed live—never thought I would. Here’s to more concerts, more music, and more moments like that in the year ahead.
Speaking of new experiences and moments that stretch us, let’s talk about love. This year, I put myself out there in dating. One of the key reminders is that even when it doesn’t go as planned, the lessons are still yours to keep. I met some truly memorable people who taught me more about myself, about intention, and about the responsibility of holding someone else’s heart. Love isn’t selfish—it can’t be. It’s about care, respect, and a shared commitment to partnering with someone else.
And then, there was this blog. A dream I’d whispered about for years. Finally out of my drafts and into the world. Starting it felt like showing up to a marathon completely unprepared—every step a mix of excitement and growing pains. But isn’t that what growth is? A little messy, a lot rewarding, and entirely worth it in the end.
From the people I no longer speak with, to the ones I’ve met, to those I’m yet to meet—or maybe never will—I wish every single one of you the most beautiful year ahead.
Live for what lights you up. The conversations that last for hours. Create. Dream. Build. Work hard, always. Fail—and then try again. Rest, and do it well. Walk. Run. Dance. Get lost. Be found.
Show up for yourself. Show up for others. Choose the moments that matter—the ones that fill your heart and light up your future.
Walk toward the things that are real: real joy, real love, real peace, real life.
Now, as I look toward 2025, I know my words for the year are intention and endurance.
So, here’s to walking through 2025 with intent, grace, and a lot of patience. Choosing wisely, living thoughtfully, and leaning into what truly matters.
And as we close one chapter and step into the next, here’s my prayer for you:
May this year bring you clarity for your intentions and strength for the road ahead. May your days be filled with laughter that makes your eyes crinkle and your stomach ache in the best way; peace that silences your worries; and joy that fills the gaps in your heart. May you create, dream, and build boldly—and when setbacks come, may you have the courage to rise again. May you walk toward all that is real and true.
Here’s to carrying the best of this year into next year—and maybe, just maybe, figuring out how to beat my friends at air hockey. Because if there’s one thing this year has taught me, it’s that persistence pays off—whether it’s in therapy, life, or even arcade games.
Here’s to a year of treasuring the sunsets, chasing the laughter, and holding onto what truly matters. I wish you the most beautiful year ahead.
Happy New Year!