Welcome back!
I hope you’ve had a lovely Christmas, however you spent it.
As we wind down after the festive season and start to look ahead to the New Year, it’s natural to reflect on the months gone by.
- Compilations of people's highlights from 2024, set to music.
- Lists of achievements and milestones reached.
- Goals smashed and bucket list dreams ticked off.
- Memes celebrating what a "great year" it’s been.
And you know what? That’s wonderful. If people have achieved their dreams, conquered their goals, and found happiness this year, let’s celebrate with them. That’s something to be proud of, and we should be happy for them.
But I also want to say this: if you simply woke up each day and made it through, no matter how hard it was, that’s an achievement too. For some, just getting through the day is a monumental goal—and you’ve done it.
Be proud of yourself. I’m proud of you.
This year marks 10 years since I lost one of my close friends to suicide. It’s a pain that never goes away. And this year, I almost lost another friend the same way. Thankfully, I didn’t—and I can’t express how grateful I am for that. These things, no matter how upsetting and awful, make us think and reflect, it's natural.
So, as we reflect on 2024, let’s remember this:
- Everyone’s goals and achievements are personal to them.
- Sharing those moments is their way of celebrating, and that’s ok, they have every right to do that.
- But if you’ve battled through dark days, faced struggles, and kept going when it felt impossible, you’ve smashed it too.
If you’ve crossed off bucket list items or achieved big dreams, be proud of yourself and share those wins with the world, there's nothing wrong with championing yourself or your family shouting your achievements from the roof tops—you’ve earned it and have every right to be proud and your loved ones to be proud of you too.
But if your biggest accomplishment was surviving, that’s just as worthy of celebration and you should feel proud too and your loved ones proud of you too, acheivments are just that, achievements, no matter in which form they come.
So, if you have smashed 2024, ticked off bucket list items, got the promotion you wanted and worked hard for, or got your dream job, and you want to tell the world, tell them. Please don't feel you can't share because others may have not shared the same things as you.
And, if you are proud that you're here, then don't feel bad for those who didn't make it, you made it and that's huge, celebrate your win.
What I'm trying to say in my rambles, is:
No matter what your 2024 looked like, be proud of yourself. Keep being you. And most importantly, be kind—to yourself and to others.
We never truly know what’s behind a smile or an “I’m fine.”
Thank you so much for reading, I hope this post can maybe help someone, if it helps you, that's amazing, and if you know someone you think it might help, please share it with them.
Thank you for reading,
I hope you all have a happy and healthy 2025
Happy New Year ♡
Zoë x
