entry 38!

Hey, 2024,

You arrived like a whispered promise—a year brimming with hope, ambition, and dreams waiting to unfold. Little did I know you would become the year I had always longed for. Every moment, every day, felt like a chapter in a storybook written just for me. As I reflect now, my heart overflows with gratitude and emotions for the journey we shared.

I welcomed you in the most spontaneous way—sitting in a car on an open highway, screaming with joy as the clock struck midnight. The raw energy of that moment was the perfect start to a year filled with magic. From that first day, I knew I had mountains to climb and paths to forge.

One of my early decisions was stepping into a new part-time job. It wasn’t just a workplace—it became a classroom of life. This role challenged me, taught me lessons I didn’t know I needed, and, most importantly, helped me grow. That move turned out to be the first of many transformative steps this year.

Then came iOS development—a journey of discovery and expansion. I dove in headfirst, creating projects that weren’t just stepping stones but launching pads into a world where the only limit was the sky. It wasn’t easy. There were moments of doubt and exhaustion, but through persistence and belief, I found not only my capabilities but my purpose.

Another milestone was launching my personal website, primarily for blogging. This wasn’t just about sharing thoughts—it became a bridge, connecting me to strangers who became friends and rekindling old relationships that had faded over time. Among these reconnections was a dear friend who walked back into my life and, in doing so, brought warmth and healing. Their presence became one of the most cherished gifts of this year.

And then came the big moment: landing a permanent job. Years of effort culminated in this milestone, a reminder that dreams don’t just happen—they are built, one step at a time. Though the work begins in the next chapter, this achievement filled me with pride and renewed purpose.

This year was also one of personal strength. For the first time, I didn’t take a single holiday, instead staying in a relentless loop of work and growth. It was a grind I never thought I could endure, yet I emerged stronger than ever. I shed old beliefs, rewrote outdated narratives, and updated my vision of the world and myself.

But it wasn’t all work. I took a single trip to Atami—a short but soul-refreshing escape. It reminded me of the importance of stillness, of breathing deeply and reconnecting with the essence of who I am.

Throughout the year, I crossed paths with remarkable people—souls who left their mark on me with kindness, wisdom, and shared moments of laughter. Some memories were bittersweet, but every one of them helped shape me into who I am today.

2024 wasn’t just about achieving dreams; it was also about what came after. Standing at the peak of my goals, I realized that every summit is just the starting point for the next climb. I had been so focused on reaching this mountain that I hadn’t considered what came next. And so, I found myself resetting, searching for a new vision and purpose.

In this reflection, I revisited the pieces of myself I had set aside to move forward. I retrieved them, only to realize some no longer fit. Their time in my life was over, and letting go was both painful and liberating. Among those fragments, I searched for one thing I had loved most, only to learn that love isn’t about holding on—it’s about letting go. In that act of release, I found a love that didn’t demand compromise but offered freedom and fulfillment.

2024, you were more than a year—you were a teacher, a guide, and a friend. You taught me that life isn’t about carrying the weight of the past but about learning to walk lighter, to love deeper, and to dream even bigger.

As I stand here, ready to embrace the unknown of 2025, I carry with me the wisdom you’ve given me: that every ending is a new beginning, and every step forward is a testament to the strength I’ve gained. Thank you for everything, 2024. You will always hold a sacred place in my heart.

With unconditional love and gratitude,

Me

So let’s Cheers to 2024, the year that changed everything. 🥂♥️