Chants of “Happy New Year!” echo everywhere, and the TV is filled with celebratory shows. But what are we really celebrating? Is it the events of the past year or just the fact that we made it through another lap around the Sun? Honestly, I had to pause and reflect to remember what made this year special for me.
The beauty of New Year’s is that it’s a globally shared moment for all of humanity. Unlike most holidays, this one transcends borders, cultures, and traditions. It’s our collective acknowledgment of time, progress, and the hope that a fresh start brings.
For me, January 1st is a moment to reflect on the journey of the past year and sketch out plans for the next one. Looking back, 2024 was a year of challenges, growth, and learning.
The first three months were about healing, learning, and searching for a new job. By April, I had not only found employment but also co-founded a startup—a milestone I’m incredibly proud of. May brought a much-needed refreshing gift from Vanya to a Grecian holiday, and from June to October, I focused on sharpening my coding skills. That hard work culminated in the launch of our product’s first version on the Apple App Store—a moment of immense satisfaction. November and December were filled with joy and connection, as dear friends celebrated major milestones in their lives. Each celebration was an opportunity to share in their happiness, honor their journeys, and reflect on the strength and warmth of our friendships. As the year came to a close, the quiet December break gave me the space to recharge and truly appreciate the bonds that make life’s journey so meaningful.
On the health front, I had a setback. A diagnosis of borderline high cholesterol forced me to take a hard look at my habits. Since then, I’ve adopted healthier eating choices. I’ve lost weight and am working on making these choices sustainable for the long term.
Family life brought its share of struggles. My parents faced health challenges—Mom had a repeat knee replacement, and Dad experienced recurring skin issues and a few falls. Living far away meant I could only offer emotional support, but I’ve learned how vital it is to stay connected, even from a distance.
Despite the ups and downs, I feel like I made the most of the year. Each challenge taught me something valuable, and I’m carrying those lessons forward:
- Health is a priority—small changes accumulate so be intentional about changes.
- Seize opportunities—they may never come your way again.
- Plan your finances in advance—current events and resulting emotions drive bad decisions.
- Delay decision making during emotionally taxing times—sleeping overnight brings clarity, creative solutions, and avoids kneejerk reactions.
- Be humble and appreciative—whether at home or work, success is a team effort.
- Reflect regularly—growth happens when you take the time to assess and adjust.
Happy New Year!