The "First of the Last" Entry

🎶It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! 🎶

Or, if you’re like the guys on my street who’ve been shooting fireworks since November 1st, then it’s felt like Christmas for quite a while now.

Anyways, it’s Decemberrrrrr; officially my favourite season of the year.

Can you tell I’m excited? 🤭

We are in the last lap of the year. For some people, it’s a time of celebration. For others, a time of deep reflection. For some, regret. 

For me? December is always a time of gratitude.

In the past, I would spend time calculating how much was left undone in the year. Sometimes I would even calculate myself into a panic attack. 

But as I get older, I see less and less of that anxiety. 

I understand now that it’s okay to end the year without checking off every single box. 

It is also okay to start the next year not entirely certain of your plans for it. We are human, only God knows the end from the beginning and that is why I have learnt to consult him when I plan.

I have also learned that growth does not always look like big wins. Sometimes, growth is in the quiet, unseen ways we change for the better; the lessons we learn, the resilience we build, and the simple decision to keep going despite challenges.

Now, as I step into the last month of 2024, I feel genuine joy for how far I’ve come. 

I feel gratitude for the good and bad experiences that have shaped me, as well as excitement, not just for the holidays, but for the fresh start that 2025 will bring.

That change did not happen overnight. It’s a path of growth I had to make myself take. It’s a path of growth you can take too. 

If you are in this first day of December feeling bad because you did not tick off your plans for the year, or feeling anxious about a new year, then you need to do this one exercise.

List out all the things that went right this year. Take your time. From the first day of the year to this first day of December. Really think about it. There is nothing too insignificant.

Since I started documenting the good things in my life, I have felt less anxious.

I document the bad parts as well. But not to sulk about. I document them as lessons to learn from. That slight change in perspective makes me see bad experiences as opportunities to learn.

It's amazing how much effect a little decision can have on our lives.

As we wrap up the year, think about it. What are you grateful for as 2024 comes to an end? What are the little wins, the lessons, or the moments that made this year special for you?

What are the lessons you have learnt this year? It doesn’t have to be something grand or profound. Maybe it’s a new skill you picked up, a fear you overcame, or simply the fact that you’re stronger than you thought.

For me, this year was about learning to give myself grace. To let go of the pressure to “do it all” and instead, celebrate the progress I make, no matter how small.

I’m also incredibly grateful for you. Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or just joined along the way, your support means everything. Thank you for opening these emails, for reading my words, and for being part of this journey.

This December feels extra special because of a personal milestone. The Growth Journal is about to turn two!

It’s so beautiful to think that a personal consistency challenge could turn into 99 Sundays of newsletters. 

It just goes to show that the tiniest decisions we make can change so much of our lives if we choose to stick with them. 

As we head into 2025, I’m filled with hope and excitement. I have a feeling it’s going to be a year of new opportunities, bold moves, and even more growth.

And oh, since The Growth Journal is turning two, should we do something special for the anniversary? Maybe a live session where we all share our lessons from the past year? 🤔Let me know your thoughts; I’m open to ideas!

Thank you for being here, for growing with me, and for making this journey so rewarding.

Take time to document your good times this week.

I wish you a blessed week

See you next Sunday!

Your trusty growth partner,

Dee❤️