The 3 Things That Got Me Through the Lows of 2024

If you had told me at the start of 2024 that it would be one of the most challenging years of my life, I might not have believed you.

But here we are.

There were moments when it felt like the ground beneath me was shifting, leaving me uncertain and unsteady. Yet, looking back, there were three anchors that kept me grounded: Connection, Consistency, and Compassion.

They weren’t grand gestures or magic fixes—just small, steady forces that helped me get through the lows. Let me share how they made all the difference.

1. Connection

Earlier this year, I hit a point where I felt completely isolated. Work was overwhelming, and it felt like I was carrying the weight of the world alone. One evening, after months of keeping everything bottled up, I decided to call an old friend. We talked for hours—about everything and nothing. By the end of the call, I felt lighter, more hopeful.

But connection wasn’t always about reaching out—it also meant learning to set boundaries. There were times when I had to say “no” to draining commitments or step away from conversations that left me feeling depleted. Protecting my energy didn’t make me less connected; it made my connections more meaningful.

What I learned: Connection is a two-way street. It’s about showing up for others while also honouring your own needs.

Practical tips:

• Reach out intentionally: Make a list of three people you trust and connect with them regularly, even if it’s just a quick message.
• Set boundaries with care: Practise saying “no” to commitments that drain you, and communicate your limits clearly but kindly.
• Protect your energy: If a conversation or relationship feels one-sided, it’s okay to step back to prioritise your wellbeing.
• Digital tools: Apps like WhatsApp or Zoom can make staying connected easier, especially with loved ones far away, but don’t feel pressured to respond immediately—your time matters too. And if someone feels overwhelming or drains too much of your aura, you can always put them in the freezer by archiving or blocking them for a period of time.

As I began to rebuild these meaningful connections, I realised the importance of another anchor—one that brought structure to my daily life: Consistency.

2. Consistency

During the chaos of 2024, there was one thing I could count on—my morning routine. Every day, I’d wake up, meditate, brew a strong cup of coffee, and spend 10 minutes journaling. It wasn’t about writing anything profound, just jotting down my thoughts and clearing my head. This small ritual became a lighthouse in the storm, reminding me that I could create order even in chaos. And for three times a week, I publish articles on LinkedIn to feed my brain, level up industry knowledge and maintain connections.

But here’s the thing about consistency—it can easily become rigidity. There were moments when I forced myself to stick to a routine, even when my body or mind begged for rest. Consistency can start to feel like a burden when we forget that it’s a tool, not a rule. There were the odd times when I didn't follow my morning routine or published only one LinkedIn article that week.

What I learned: Consistency doesn’t mean perfection; it means showing up with intention, but also knowing when to adapt.

Practical tips:

• Start small: Choose one simple habit to anchor your day—a morning stretch, a 5-minute meditation, or writing a gratitude list.
• Stay flexible: Be okay with breaking the routine when needed. Missing one day doesn’t mean failure—it means you’re human.
• Use habit trackers wisely: Tools like Habitica are great, but don’t let the streaks control you.
• Set an intention word: Pick a word each week to guide your habits and remind you of what truly matters—mine this year was “steady.”

Yet even with routines to ground me, it was kindness towards myself that truly carried me through the hardest days.

3. Compassion

I’ll never forget a day in June when I felt like a complete failure. Nothing seemed to be going right, and my inner critic was working overtime. As I sat with those feelings, I thought, “What would I say to a friend feeling this way?” I wouldn’t berate them—I’d offer kindness and understanding. So, I decided to try it on myself. I wrote a note to myself that simply said, “It’s okay to feel this way. You’re doing the best you can.”

But compassion has its complexities, too. For me, self-compassion sometimes felt dangerously close to complacency. There were days when I used kindness as an excuse to avoid tough decisions or hard truths. Compassion without accountability can trap you in the same place, under the guise of “being kind to yourself.”

What I learned: True compassion balances kindness with accountability. It’s not about letting yourself off the hook but lifting yourself up so you can keep going.

Practical tips:

• Practice self-talk: When you catch yourself being critical, pause and ask, “Would I say this to someone I love?”
• Balance softness with strength: Use self-compassion as a stepping stone, not a resting place.
• Take micro-breaks: Even 10 minutes of rest can make a big difference. Apps like Headspace can guide you in practising mindfulness.
• Journal with intention: Dedicate a page to write what you’d say to a struggling friend, then set a goal for one small action to take next.

Closing

2024 wasn’t easy, but it was transformative. Connection reminded me I’m not alone, while boundaries taught me to protect my energy. Consistency gave me structure amidst the chaos, but only when I allowed flexibility. Compassion helped me find strength in my softer moments, but only when paired with accountability.

As we close the year, I’d love to hear from you: What got you through your own lows in 2024? Was it a person, a habit, or a mindset? Share your “three things” in the comments—I’m eager to learn from your journey, too.

Here’s to a 2025 filled with growth, connection, and kindness—and may we all find the strength to carry these lessons forward.

#Reflection #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #LessonsFrom2024 #MentalHealthMatters #LifeLessons #2025Goals

Previous article (#119):

Eric Chuah is a passionate social entrepreneur, writer, and advocate for mental health and social impact. With over 20 years of experience spanning seven countries in Asia Pacific, he combines insights from his career in banking, product innovation, and social enterprise to inspire and empower others. Eric is the founder of The Cookie Project in New Zealand, a celebrated social enterprise employing individuals with disabilities. His reflections on personal growth, resilience, and purpose have resonated with audiences worldwide, contributing to conversations on leadership, mental wellness, and sustainable impact. Based in Ipoh, Malaysia, Eric continues to champion meaningful connections and purpose-driven change through his writing and initiatives.