A YEAR FILLED WITH GROWTH AND LESSONS

It's two days remaining till we see the next year, and here I am reflecting on my life so far. 2025 was not what I expected it would be, it was far from perfect but somehow it turned out to be exactly what I needed. It didn't go out the way I planned but it turned out to be deeply meaningful to me. This year, I’ve discovered a whole lot more about myself than I have in all my previous years of existence.

I remember January, 2025. I started with high expectations and hopes. I had big dreams and I was so certain I would achieve all of them. But did I? Well, like that say, it's easier said than done. Some I achieved while others I guess not. But I’m not beating myself up about it. Over the months, I’ve come to understand that growth is far beyond checklists and ticking boxes. Sometimes it isn't loud. It can be very quiet, minute even unnoticeable. It could be those little changes, the quiet shifts and internal progress that no one sees.

I remember being in the month of August, and had this reality check that we were almost approaching the end of the year. And at that point, I didn't fully understand the concept of growth. Not like I do now. I remember feeling down. I felt like I wasn't growing as fast as I would like. I remember telling my friend that I hadn't achieved anything meaningful this year. When in fact, I had. The truth is I was looking for something big, grand, something to hold accountable. But growth doesn't work that way. It's in the little things, the struggles, the slight changes. I was learning. I learned how to thrive through discomfort, how to keep going even when things didn't go according to plan, I learnt to keep being true to myself, to show up for myself even when no one was watching.

The biggest lesson I have learned so far this year would be to slow down. A wise man I ce told me, “life doesn't need to be rushed, take it easy”. That brought a major impact in my life than I would like to admit. Back then, I used to rush things, always did things quickly, wanting quick results and answers. But I learnt to be a little more patient. To give myself some grace, and trust the process. Also, I learnt to use my time wisely. Being more intentional with it, and removing people, things and activities that drains my time.

Financially, emotionally and spiritually, life wasn't easy. I was met with struggles. But I am grateful for how I faced them all. I showed up, I kept pushing and was willing to learn and relearn. And I am proud of myself for that

And now, as the year is coming to an end, I can't be more grateful for the lessons learned, the friends I met along the way, the little wins, and the wonderful people who stood by me every step of the way. As I approach 2026. I do so with an open heart, knowing I am stronger, a better version than I was yesterday and ready to face what lies ahead despite the uncertainties.