As 2024 comes to a close, I’ve found myself reflecting on two lessons that made a huge impact on my year. Gratitude and Authenticity.
Gratitude is quite literally a Superpower
Gratitude often gets overshadowed in the hustle of daily life, but its power to transform your mindset is unmatched. It’s not just about appreciating big achievements, it’s also about finding joy in the little moments that often go unnoticed.
This was especially true in 2024. I had some big wins this year, but with those wins, particularly in the first half of the year, came a lot stress in the form of responsibility. In those moments of feeling completely overwhelmed, setting aside a few minutes each day, to enjoy the little things in life, made all the difference for me.
For example, the coziness of a solo coffee date. It turns out Coffee shops and long walks along the beach are one of my love languages. My gratitude for some of life’s simplest pleasures became the catalyst for creating more calm moments in the midst of what felt like chaos. Miraculously, these moments, where I would often think about what I was grateful for, helped me overcome the overwhelm I was feeling and slowly but surely the challenges I was facing ceased to exist. I think it's because gratitude shifts your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant; and a focus on abundance will beget more abundance.
When you practice gratitude daily, you’ll notice how it softens stress, amplifies happiness, and helps you embrace the beauty of where you are right now. Gratitude isn’t just a nice habit; it’s a game-changer.
There Is No Fear in Love and Authenticity Always Wins
I want to start by saying that I’m not just talking about romantic relationships. Love, when it’s real, isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up authentically.
The most meaningful connections are built on trust, vulnerability, and acceptance. Genuine love never asks you to shrink yourself or mold into something you’re not. It reminds you that you’ll never be 'too much' for the right person. And if someone sees you as 'too much' or 'not enough,' there's nothing wrong with you, it’s likely because they’re not your person.
Here’s the truth: love rooted in the fear of rejection or judgment, limits you. Love that’s authentic and genuine, on the other hand, sets you free. In 2024, I learned that not everyone will understand or accept you, and that’s okay. Your people / person won't need convincing. The right relationships will meet you where you are and celebrate you as you are.
Genuine always wins.
These lessons, gratitude and fearless authenticity, are simple but transformative. They’ve made a lasting difference in my life, and I hope they inspire you to find your own moments of clarity, joy, and connection in the year ahead.
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