2024 is almost over, and I’m sitting at my desk, reflecting, staring at the laptop screen that’s starting to fade with time. This year, although full of unexpected twists, seems to have passed by so quickly. If I could talk to myself in January, I don’t think I’d believe everything I’ve been through. January felt full of hopes and resolutions, and now, in December, I see a self-reflection I never imagined before.
At the beginning of the year, I was so focused on the goals and achievements I had to reach. Like many others, I had a long list of things to do, goals to accomplish, and feelings to conquer. But as time went by, I realized that achievement isn’t just about numbers or visible results. This year taught me to pay more attention to the journey and the process itself, not just where I’m headed.
I also realized that many things didn’t go as planned. A lot of events came unexpectedly, and what I thought would be obstacles turned out to offer valuable lessons. Sometimes, we’re too hard on ourselves, trying to live up to everyone else’s expectations, without making room for failure and imperfection. But here, at the end of the year, I’m starting to see that it’s from those failures that I learned more about who I am.
Months passed, and I began to prioritize more important things: mental health, inner peace, and meaningful relationships. I realized that we often get so caught up in chasing “what should be” or “what others want,” that we forget to celebrate what we already have. There’s nothing wrong with taking time for ourselves and allowing space to enjoy life without excessive pressure.
Looking back at all the achievements this year — both big and small — I feel incredibly grateful. However, more importantly, it’s the emotional journey I’ve gone through, how I’ve learned to accept myself, and how I’ve learned to be more patient with life’s process. In the past, I often felt burdened by time, always thinking I needed to achieve something immediately, but this year, I learned that life isn’t a race. We have to enjoy every moment.
This December also gave me the opportunity to finish a lot of things that had been left unfinished. Whether it’s work, relationships, or even dreams I had neglected for a long time. But what stands out the most is how I’ve finally found peace with myself. Of course, there are still many things I want to do, many plans left unfinished, but at least I now know that the journey is far more important than the destination.
If I could talk to myself in January, I’d probably say, “Relax. Everything will unfold as it should, even if it doesn’t go according to your plan. You’ll learn to enjoy life more.” And maybe, January me, full of ambition and big plans, would smile, because now I understand that life doesn’t always have to be perfect to be meaningful.
Now, in December, I feel more at peace and more aware of what really matters. January me might not believe who I am now, but December me has learned to accept things as they are. So, even though this year has been full of twists and turns, I feel grateful to be where I am. And who knows, maybe January me next year will be even wiser after reading this.
