As the end of the year approaches we find ourselves reflecting on the previous 12 months, while some are rushing to make a list of their new year’s resolutions, others struggle to make a list of accomplishments that they can feel proud of. We have all been there when other people’s accomplishments feel bigger and better – or so it seems. Life is not a rat race nor a perfect Instagram picture, although numerous times it does feel that way because we are conditioned to be busy doing things and comparing ourselves to others. Everyone truly has their own timeline, and you are exactly where life has chosen you to be, there is a lesson you are yet to learn – this is why inhale, exhale and trust the divine timing of things.
2023 has been a year of many lessons, and while on the outside it seemed that I was living my best life – I was struggling on the inside to find a balance and a peace of mind. In the past I used to believe that being busy for the sake of being busy was actually cool – yet this year I learned that actually the magic lies in the slow mornings when you get to sit with yourself in solitude and let your mind wander without having to run to catch a train, flight or to make it to one of your many meetings. By the end of this year my mind was so overloaded with information, images and people I have met – that actually for the first time in my life I started to experience memory gaps and an anxious feeling that I have surely forgotten to do something. My mind got used to being busy and if it was not – then something was certainly off.
For 2024 my goal is to find more serenity in my life and to release this constant feeling of fight or flight that I have been living with all my adult life. I want to commit to a healthier lifestyle that will help me live in harmony with myself and the world around me. Here’s some of the wisdom that 2023 taught me:
- It’s never too late to walk in the direction of your dreams.
- Success is not measured by numbers – don’t beat yourself up if you haven’t achieved all of your goals and you don’t feel fully accomplished. You have done the best you could. If no one has told you that, I’m proud of you.
- The future is not promised to anyone, we have all seen the darkness and hostility that our world is facing today. Let’s take a moment to say a prayer for those who didn’t get the tomorrow they hoped for. Don’t put your dreams on a back burner – find the courage to go after what makes your heart sing. Make today great.
- Be the most polite and generous person you know – kindness goes a long way, say thank you to everyone for the little things they do for you. This includes your colleagues who go out of their way to help you succeed in your everyday tasks. Their kindness and work matters.
- A true leader is not defined by a title but by their humility, compassion and dedication to making those they meet better than they found them. Be that hero that makes people feel bigger in their presence.
- You are a beautiful, gentle human being, you deserve all the love in the world. Be kind to yourself, love yourself, you are the most precious gift. There is no one else like you. You are special, never forget that.
- The truth is revealed at the right time.
- Just because someone wears a smile, their heart isn’t necessarily smiling. People are great at masking their true feelings.
- In the corporate world there are a lot of ego-driven people, don’t become one of them.
- In a world of angry and lost souls – be a positive example.
- No one is going to clap for you – you have to clap for yourself and salute your own efforts. You are your #1 fan, remember that! We are often so focused on external validation that we forget to be proud and grateful for how far we’ve come in our journey. Celebrate your own wins, no matter how big or small they are. Remember that small changes done consistently result in life changing results. You can do it, I believe in you.
- Your body is your temple, treat it this way, worship it and protect it at all cost.
- Excessive anything is never good.
- We need obstacles to grow and to evolve.
- Most certainly there are worse fates than mine. The strength lies in the ability to move past your struggles & sorrows with grace.
- No one is coming to save you – you have to save yourself. The sooner you realize this, the easier it will be to accept anything that life presents you with.
- We put our own responsibility on other people as it is easier to play the victim and to always find someone else to blame for our misfortunes. Misfortunes however can be blessings in disguise and bring brilliant lessons that will only fuel our growth. Without struggles we cannot appreciate the wonderful blessings that come along. Accept everyone you meet as lessons and stepping stones to your greater self.
- It’s the ones who struggle to become something, actually do. Every decision is a choice, either to become better or worse. It’s your commitment to excellence, choose wisely.
- Chasing after material wealth doesn’t guarantee happiness.
- You cannot put the blame solely on other people, in the end of the day you were also part of them, you chose to stick around and didn’t face the uncomfortable truth. It’s not easy to let people go, especially people you have shared so many years and memories with. In order to grow and to become the person you are meant to be you must learn to release the need for uncomfortable relationships.
- If you are being punished for speaking your truth – Speak anyways. If being labeled as a black sheep means going against the cowards, keep going. Don’t kill yourself to serve someone else’s ego. You have been given a voice for a reason. Use is wisely.
- Faith is in the effort. Never give up trying, the next blessing may just be waiting around the corner.
- A capable person will always find the way.
I would like to wish you and your loved ones a healthy, blessed and prosperous New Year!
