Year end reflection

As the year draws to a close, I find myself savoring the quiet moments before New Year's Eve, settling into a peaceful corner to reflect on and write down the story of my year. It has been nearly a decade since I last engaged in this tradition. This time, I wonder if my reflections and expressions will carry more depth and sharpness than they once did. Regardless, this exercise is a gift I wish to give myself—a small treasure to mark the end of the year.

Looking back, I’ve come to realize that I’ve embraced life’s pleasures more than ever before. These indulgences are simple yet transformative: stepping outdoors, moving my body more, learning new skills, and challenging myself with new sports. Weekly sauna sessions coupled with ice baths, swimming, paddle tennis, and climbing have all brought me immense joy. Among them, hiking has taken on a new allure. What once felt like a grueling task has become a source of profound inspiration, thanks to the breathtaking beauty of mountainscapes. My trip to Kyrgyzstan, in particular, unveiled a newfound passion for horseback riding and archery. Now, exploring pristine, majestic, and unspoiled natural landscapes feels like a luxurious pursuit, one that fills my heart with gratitude.

This year, I’ve prioritized self-care, nurturing both my soul and my body. I’ve worked to free myself from societal, familial, and traditional pressures that once weighed heavily on me. It feels liberating to no longer speak simply for the sake of speaking or think just for the sake of thinking. Instead, I’ve focused on expressing myself authentically. My aim is to lead a life grounded in honesty—accepting who I am, shedding the fear of judgment, and truly listening to my heart. To cultivate this authenticity, I strive to approach every relationship, be it personal or professional, with transparency from the outset. I want those around me to appreciate me for who I am, both for what I bring and what I lack. By doing so, I avoid wasting time on discomforts and pretenses. Time and present moments have become treasures I now cherish deeply.

Financially, this year has been a journey of learning and growth. I’ve made smarter investments, embracing the value of spending money on lessons that books alone cannot teach. Experimenting to validate what I’ve read, extracting lessons from mistakes, and staying grounded during successes have been invaluable experiences. I’ve realized the importance of diversifying my income streams, understanding that reliance on a single source could leave me vulnerable. By learning from successful individuals, I’ve opened myself to new opportunities. This isn’t about being overly ambitious, but rather about stepping beyond my comfort zone to carve out the path toward my dreams. I refuse to let circumstances dictate my future or dreams. For me, starting late is no justification for not starting at all.

Reflecting on 2024 as a whole, I’ve learned to accept life’s imperfections and let go of attachments to things I once held dear. I’ve come to see this as a natural part of growth and maturity. Processing this understanding slowly, I aim to better equip myself for the challenges ahead. Whether I like it or not, I will practice complaining less and worrying less about the distant future. Instead, I choose to live more fully in the present.

--Everything happens for a reason, and living positively is the one thing within my control--