It’s wild how fast 2024 has passed. Literally, I think it passed so quickly that I only recently realized that the year was coming to an end. 2024, for me, was a year full of so much, Alhamdulillah. I wouldn’t want to change anything that worked and didn’t work. In fact, I learned years back to be grateful when something does not work because it only leaves space for better things to happen, and I am seeing it more and more. I honestly didn’t make major plans for this year, and I started 2024 on a tired note. Work-wise, I got terribly sick at the end of 2023 because of overworking. I was hospitalized and had to take sick leave, so I spent November and December recovering mostly.

This is why, at the beginning of 2024, I was still recovering and decided to take things as slowly as possible. 2023 made me realize so much; I lost things I cared about because I became work-centered. My work was my priority before even myself. To the point that I didn’t care much about my family even though I visited frequently. For 2024, I didn’t have time to make yearly resolutions. However, I wanted to avoid making the same mistakes as in 2023. I focused on the positives and prioritized what truly mattered: my health, family, friends, hobbies, and living authentically. I’m unsure if it is the word to describe the situation, but maybe an everyday life with a purpose and be more in the present. Honestly, it somehow worked, and living more in the present changes so much, and I no longer wish to go back in time.

Enjoying Little Things

Hobbies-wise, I am happy I started taking pastry-making classes in Paris. I started in 2023 but resumed in early 2024 and continued to take courses. Baking is something I have enjoyed since I was young; I would choose baking over cooking at any given time. I didn’t want my time to be around work, planning, or finishing projects. Also, I ran my first half marathon, Roma-Ostia. I have been running for a few years and have participated in races in Paris since 2021, so I was happy I ran a half marathon a few weeks before turning 30. It was a dream of mine for a long time, and I think it goes back to 2013 – 2014. Running the race was a personal milestone, and I hope to run a full marathon soon after gaining my strength back.

This year, I focused on making the best of everything and living in the present. I didn’t want difficult times to hold me back or stop me from enjoying the little things as they did before. However, I am thankful for 2024 as I experienced so much, made many memories, and networked with inspiring people. For instance, I traveled frequently for work and leisure and didn’t expect to live most of the year between airports.

Despite how busy I have been, I am glad I didn’t give up on blogging and still shared articles with you. Also, I started my YouTube channel. It’s not very active yet, but I plan to share a new vlog soon. Most recently, after preparing and academically studying for two years, I officially passed my French Language Studies exam and got the diploma in French Language Studies, a goal I wanted to achieve after I moved to France.

Growing Through Anxiety

I understand how everything may be perfect on the surface, but I know that I’ve carried a lot of anxiety from the challenges and difficult experiences I’ve encountered over the years. This lingering worry about my health has become difficult to manage. On a positive note, I have become calmer and more aware of myself. In addition to the negative influences around me, I understand the impact of anxiety.

It is something I am still learning how to solve and deal with. Because of anxiety, I got a minor sickness at the end of March that escalated into a bigger issue. Due to that, I spent a whole month visiting different doctors and fell into a depressive episode. As a result, I lost weight and struggled to eat for months. I became selective about my diet, which is the case until now. Somehow, I no longer eat red meat and now find it difficult to swallow. I am still trying to find a solution and overcome this anxiety because I know it has worsened my health issues. Also, I wouldn’t want to see it expanding to other things.

Keep the Connections that Matter Close

This year, I learned that some bridges deserve to be burned, not rebuilt, to reconnect with past connections. Always listen to your intuition. I am glad I respond to my nervous system positively and no longer enjoy or want temporary harmful connections. I just realized I don’t have to reconnect with people even if they owe me an apology. An apology won’t change much when I do the hard work of moving away and disconnecting.

Some reconnections can cause more harm than the initial damage. Therefore, it’s best to keep them at a distance and never look back. Oh, and an apology doesn’t necessarily mean that they are sorry. It could mean that they could be bored, and it is not your job to entertain their boredom. Most importantly, I understand my own flaws and that sometimes it is unnecessary to force a connection. Regardless of how good it may seem in your head because, trust me, in reality, it is bad. It is important to understand that as much as there are people who are not suitable for you, remember that you are not good for some people, and that’s okay.

I am grateful for the changes I’ve made in reacting to situations. Actually, I am happy that certain connections in my life have ended. Since 2021, I have started taking different steps regarding my relationships. I began to slowly but actively reduce my connections and enjoy more of a small and private circle. I’ve realized that many of these connections didn’t serve a purpose and, in fact, hurt me. Since then, I have actively worked to disconnect from those relationships.

2024 Marked the Start of My 30s

The big three-O is the age that scares many people. Throughout my twenties, I didn’t understand the scare around turning thirty. Nonetheless, it hit me a few months before I turned thirty. I realized I was so busy figuring out life that I overlooked its impact, which can be good. I heard from many women in their mid and end-thirties that starting their thirties was never bad; it actually felt better than in their twenties.

In the beginning, I didn’t get it much, but I think as we are at the end of 2024 and I am approaching turning 31, I understand what they meant. Turning 30 feels different because, as a person, I am no longer the person I was in my twenties. I turned thirty with so much experience, self-reflection, and healing, which is something to never take for granted. I will not forget what my therapist told me this year that I genuinely matured and should be proud of myself. Change is essential, and it helps people grow, and it is okay to change your mind and admit what’s wrong.

I now view my thirties differently and realize they are not as frightening as people make them out to be. The fear surrounding turning thirty often stems from societal expectations. The idea is that you must achieve certain milestones by that age, which is a complete delusion. In reality, your story is your own and doesn’t need to resemble anyone else’s. Everyone has their timing, and there is a reason for everything, regardless of how much you may try to rush certain things.

Concluding…

This year has had its ups and downs. Despite some positive aspects, I have often felt lost and realized I needed a core change. To address this, I enrolled in a challenge aimed at making positive changes in my daily life. This experience has had a significant positive impact on me. It has helped me focus on what truly matters, get closer to Allah, read with intention, and learn the art of journaling. Alhamdulillah, I feel much better and aim to work harder through these changes.

I hope this article can help you notice or understand some things and perhaps encourage you to reflect on your year. I hope 2024 was an excellent year for you, dear readers, and may 2025 be full of blessings, peace, and comfort.