What did 2024 teach you?

Hello dear friends,

It’s been almost a year since I’ve published something here. I have a hard time writing consistently for this site. Much like the ocean, the internet already has far too much trash floating around; leaving me hesitant to share my thoughts. If I’m being completely honest, I often feel my thoughts are not worth your time. Time is precious and fleeting!

Thanks for letting me get that off my chest. Now, onward!

The new year presents a uniquely powerful opportunity for reflection, especially when you live in a place where the seasons change. The passage of time isn't just felt—it’s visibly marked by the changes in the landscape right outside your door. Here in Colorado, the new year falls in winter, a season that naturally encourages slowing down and turning inward. It’s a time that feels more expansive, quieter, and still.

Do you feel similarly? I’m curious to hear what your reflections have revealed.

Here are a few things 2024 taught me:

Believe people when they show you who they are

I continually want to see the best in people, which often leads me to give them fourth, fifth, and even sixth chances. I justify this with the Golden Rule: treat others how you want to be treated. However, I’ve learned that my kindness and compassion towards others are not lessened by not accepting being treated like a doormat. I used to think walking away from certain people or situations meant I was failing to make things work. That something was wrong with me. Thankfully, now I know this isn’t true.

Trust your intuition

You know that gut feeling you can’t quite logically explain, but won’t go away regardless of how hard you try to reason with it? That’s your body’s way of communicating that you already know what’s best for you. I’ve admittedly questioned this feeling time and time again. Why is it so hard for me to believe that I actually know what’s in my own best interest? Still working on this one.

Your people want to help you

Your people — family, friends, community — want nothing but the best for you. And if they don’t, then trust me when I say they are not your people. I know this instinctively, yet I still have a hard time accepting their help. I’m stubborn and independent to a fault, but this year has taught me the humility of asking for help and the importance of leaning on your people during tough times. I used to feel like sharing my darker times with others would feel like a burden to them. I’ve learned that opening up — yes, even the scary, ugly stuff — has been immensely beneficial and has helped me work through things I used to bottle up and suppress. Plus, it brings me great joy to support my people when they’re in need, so why would I rob my loved ones of this same opportunity?

you are capable of hard things

I started 2024 by transitioning out of a job that no longer brought me joy. This time of transition was particularly stressful because I didn’t have another source of income secured and I was also footing all the bills for my home since I had yet to find a suitable roommate. It was an incredibly nerve-wracking time — one that would have resulted in spiraling negative thoughts and extreme anxiety in years past. Thankfully, through working with a therapist for the 9 months leading up to this time, I was in a much healthier place mentally and emotionally. I remember being unusually calm, despite the circumstances. I kept telling myself, “You’ve gotten through every hard time leading up to this moment, some much harder than this, so there’s no reason you can’t work through this situation.” I knew I had the perseverance and resourcefulness to figure it out, even if it meant I had to make some sacrifices and potentially work a job I didn’t love to get by.

never stop learning

The beauty of facing challenges lies in the opportunities they provide to learn and grow. Overcoming difficult times equips you with essential tools to navigate life's ever-changing tides. Thankfully, growth isn’t limited to adversity. With the internet and public libraries offering a vast array of resources, acquiring new skills has never been more accessible. A world of knowledge is at your fingertips—what an incredible time to be alive!

Although 2024 brought its share of challenges, it was also filled with memorable highlights. I'm eager to carry forward the lessons I’ve learned and embrace new experiences in the year ahead!