Reflections on My 2024 Journey: Growth, Challenges & New Beginnings

2024 was a year of growth, challenges, and insightful lessons. Join me as I reflect on navigating work and discipline, building community, and growing as a parent.

Building Community

I stepped out of my comfort zone this year to host a neighborhood gathering. I had been in the community for a few years but never got a chance to get to know the neighbors.

The event was great for meeting people and creating a friendly community. One neighbor said, ‘We were waiting for someone to take the initiative.’

His comment reminded me that even though we might hesitate, others long for a connection, just like us. It took me years to reach out, but I am glad I did.

Reflecting on Work & Purpose

In corporate, I took short summer vacations with my family. As a full-time writer, I tried taking the entire summer off, but it was detrimental.

The extra time off made me doubt myself and question my sense of purpose. I learned that I can take short, meaningful breaks but must return to a consistent work routine.

Each day, I am learning what it means to be a full-time writer, where I am the master of my schedule and my goals. There is no one doing my evaluation but myself each year.

I look forward to this new path where I learned that consistency and process matter over outcome.

Growing as a Parent

2024 surprised me as a parent. It’s weird to have your child tell you that they are disappointed. ‘You are not eating right and are watching a lot of TV’, he says.

There was truth to that, no doubt. But wait, who is the parent here? When did the roles get reversed?

But that’s been the dynamic in our house this year with a growing teenager.

With a heavy high school workload and several hours of sports each week, he learned to be efficient with his time. So, he observes us through the same lens. “You can do better,” he says to me.

His work ethic, discipline in achieving his goals, and ability to move on from setbacks have been constant sources of inspiration.

Seeing him teach me more than I have been teaching him this year is humbling.

Reflecting on 2024 & Stepping Into the New Year

As we approach the end of the year, I encourage you to take the time to reflect. Were there things that went well? Consider your role in those experiences and the qualities you want to carry to the new year.

Were there choices you wish you had made differently? The end of the year is a time to reflect and make peace with yourself, learn from them, and move on.

As Thich Nhat Hanh says, our past can be the object of our inquiry. It can help us understand, and it can liberate us.

As we enter 2025, I promise to continue growing, learning, and writing for you. I look forward to sharing and taking you along on the journey to live happier and more meaningful lives.

I wish you and your loved ones happy holidays and a joyful new year.