How triumphs and challenges shaped a year of self-awareness and resilience for me.

As we move through 2025, I find myself reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned in the past year — a year of growth, self-awareness, and resilience. These insights, born from both triumphs and challenges, are not only reflections of the past but also tools to navigate the future.

It’s Okay to Take Extra Time

This past year taught me the value of patience — with others, but more importantly with myself. In a world that glorifies speed and efficiency, taking extra time to complete something can feel like failure. However, I’ve learned that it’s not the end of the world and it doesn’t diminish my capabilities. Whether navigating difficult emotions or tackling academic work, giving myself the grace to take my time often results in better outcomes and a healthier mindset. Rushing rarely leads to excellence but instead causes me to feel burnt out. Even though it is crucial to meet deadlines, there are ways to manage meeting them by being proactive. 

Trust What You’re Capable Of

Self-doubt was a recurring theme in 2024, but so was learning to overcome it. I’ve come to understand that trusting my abilities does not make me conceited, but that it is a form of self-respect. When I stopped second-guessing myself frequently, I achieved things I once thought were impossible for me.

Pause Before Reacting in Anger

When it comes to feeling anger, I’ve learned that it is often a fleeting emotion that demands the utmost patience. Something I have implemented is giving myself 24 hours, or, at least until I’ve calmed down, before responding to situations that may irritate me. This pause allows me to think more rationally, reducing the risk of saying or doing something I’d later regret. It’s a habit that has allowed me to feel a greater sense of self-control, thus giving me a more positive perspective of myself. I plan to continue embracing this strategy to ensure my actions align with my values, rather than my impulses.

Try Something New When You’re in a Good Mood

Trying new things is exhilarating, but I’ve found that the best time to explore uncharted territory is when I’m in a positive mindset. When I am feeling down, I have learned that trying something that I do not care for, can significantly dampen my mood. However, in a good mood, I’m more open to new ideas and more likely to enjoy the experience. Entering it with enthusiasm rather than desperation makes all the difference.

To Be Loved Is to Be Known

Love isn’t just about constant adoration or affection, it’s also about showcasing understanding. I’ve come to appreciate that to be loved deeply and properly is to be truly known — both the positive and negative traits about me. It’s a vulnerable yet freeing realization, which has allowed me to feel less like an imposter within my own skin. In my relationships with family and friends, allowing myself to be seen for who I am has deepened our connections in ways I haven’t experienced before. 

Conversations Are Not Meant to Be Won

One of my classes in law school emphasized the importance of conversations. Particularly, that conversations don’t always feel productive because, instead of talking to each other, people tend to talk at each other. The goal of a conversation isn’t to emerge victorious; it’s to connect, learn and understand those around me. Although I once viewed conversations this way, as opportunities to “win”, this concrete mindset shifted my perspective by transforming me to be more mindful and aware of how I communicate. By focusing attentively on listening, I’ve built stronger relationships and avoided unnecessary conflicts. This approach will undoubtedly continue to serve me well in the year ahead, as I embark on a new set of challenges.

Questioning Your Path Is Okay

Doubt can feel destabilizing, but it’s not inherently bad. Questioning my path this year led me to re-evaluate my goals and realign with what truly matters. Although doubt is not bad, it is important for me to not let it completely consume my head. Finding a good balance with this has been key for me, and it is still something I am actively working on. It’s okay to ask questions and explore, as long as one remains humble and open to growth without losing who they are completely. 

Stay True to Yourself

If there’s one non-negotiable lesson from 2024, it’s the importance of staying true to my morals and values. Who would I be if I did not have morals? As I have embarked on new unfamiliar challenges, there have been moments where I have been tested. However, no matter how difficult it was, standing firm in what I believe in gave me strength and clarity in moving forward when dealing with similar situations. As I navigate the uncertainties of 2025, I’ll hold onto this anchor, knowing that authenticity is one of the best ways to live life with peace and ease. 

Boundaries Can Evolve

I have always been super firm with my boundaries, especially after high school. However, I have learned that they are not always static. Boundaries can be dynamic and should reflect who we are in the present. I realized that adjusting my boundaries doesn’t mean I’m compromising — it means I’m showcasing growth. This is something that I still am working on coming to terms with, but I feel like I have made significant progress since I am not sacrificing the boundaries that make me who I am at my core. Allowing flexibility in my boundaries has made me more compassionate towards myself, a mindset I’m eager to carry forward.

You Miss All the Shots You Don’t Take

I have always pushed myself to take more chances or ask for things, but I believe this happened in a more meaningful way in 2024 than ever before. Not every shot landed, but the ones that did made all the risks worthwhile. Going further into this new year, I’ll keep reminding myself that courage is rewarded, even if the reward isn’t immediate or isn’t in the form you thought it would be.

Last year was truly an unforgettable year for me, as I faced many highs and lows throughout those 12 months. However, at the end of the day, I am grateful for every single moment as I feel it has been a year of me becoming who I want to be. I look forward to what 2025 has in store and I hope that this year is filled with all kinds of happiness for every single one of you!