Ending With Gratitude

I tried to calm myself from the sharp pain bursting from behind my eyes through my forehead and I said to myself, “Is this how I’m going to close the year?” But then I took some painkillers fifteen minutes ago and I talked through the process of writing with one of my people. And so after we talked about limiting my words and having breaks in between, I picked up my phone and began to type.

Where do I start from? Maybe I should begin with the lessons. 2023 taught me a lot. I can’t begin to talk about the life lessons 2023 taught me. First, it made me understand that if you do not actively work towards achieving a dream, if you’re not intentional, if you do not consciously make not just an effort, but a determined and consistent effort to get there, it would be just that. A dream. I learned to fight and fight hard for the things I wanted. But the thing is, I learned this pretty late this year. But I’ve decided not to dwell on regrets but to actively apply this in my 2024.

What else did I learn this year? That life-changing opportunities can come from anywhere. That I should conclude within my heart to make each day count. That I should make the best memories every chance I get because I won’t have that single moment again. It’s a beautiful feeling knowing that you made it count. That even in the good or bad times, you gave it your all. I learnt it beautifully this year even though I hadn’t been keen on it in the beginning. I’m aiming to make it better for myself from tomorrow.

Maybe if I think of any more lessons, I’ll list them as I go. But I’ll move to the best part of this year. My blessings. I’m going to count my blessings as well as I can because 2023 has been a blessed year for me in such unprecedented ways, I can’t help but share.

I’ve grown in leaps and bounds this year because, for the most part, I was surrounded by the best people. How can I say this without letting my emotions burst through the seams? 2023 gave me the best people I could ever ask for. I met angels in form of people this year. People who go out of their way not because they expect anything in return but because they’re innately good people. People who know to be generous with not just their hands but their hearts.

If I want to count how blessed I feel to have the people I have by my side, best believe I’d never be done. But suffice it to say that for a person who isn’t her best in sustaining relationships, I didn’t expect that they’d remain, but they haven’t given up on me and it’s enough reason to keep going. So to everyone who has been there, I see you as my blessing and I hope that 2024 opens even more doors for us individually, and as a people.

I think my next blessing is just going to be for life. There are a lot of people who didn’t make it to the end, but I did, my family did, my loved ones did and it was mostly a year devoid of loss. It’s not something I take for granted especially since I was on the road a lot this year. I hope the blessings of longevity keep being with all of us, even in the new year.

I was talking to a loved one today and we talked about our concept of goals, especially in the new year where everyone is determined to do better, set a bunch of goals and hope to achieve them. After the call, I thought to myself that if I’ve been doing something for the past years and haven’t achieved the things I outlined in my head, I can’t keep doing the same thing, can I?

I don’t remember being intentional about my goals in the previous years. I don’t remember outlining them distinctly in the categories they should be in and actively going through them even as I worked towards achieving them. So I’m going to do just that. Because 2024 for me is all about not shying away from my dreams. About not being scared to commit to the things I desperately want to come to fruition.

I’m not sure I can afford to give way to laxity because of procrastination or misplacement of priorities. So, it’s a well-placed dream of my academics, my finances, and my growth as a person, mentally and emotionally and of course, socially. Of course, it wouldn’t be wise to think that I can achieve it all next year. Everyone is a work in progress and I know that it’s impossible to get it all perfectly together in one year. But I’m going to do my best. Because these things mean so much to me. Acing my academics, becoming financially stable, and being the best version of myself for me and with others is paramount in my heart.

I’m not going to lie. I’m quite nervous. Will I be able to do it? As the year is beginning in a few hours, will I have the courage and determination to follow through? But I’m not going to give room to fear. Because this time, I’m not alone. I’m working with my board of trustees. My people. And of course, my God. It’s not going to be a walk in the park, but it’s going to be with ease in my heart. I will get there.

I do hope that even though we may have had regrets this year, we trust in the fact that our 2024 will be Amazing. I love my amazing family on Hive. And I’m grateful to have found a home here.

Let’s have an amazing 2024. Happy New Year everyone!

Jhymi🖤

_{P.S: The migraine is gone.}🤗

_{All images are mine.}