The Light We Carry: A Journey through 2024

As the year closes, I’m reminded that achievements are deeply personal and often relative; they are not cast in stone. Earlier in the year, in my article "Give Yourself Permission to Be Great: 2023 in Retrospect," I challenged us to take chances on ourselves and to put ourselves out there. While this journey has unfolded differently for each of us, I’m grateful we’ve reached the finish line of 2024.

For some, this year’s greatest achievement is the far they've come; tangible trophies and accolades marking their progress. For others, it’s the perseverance they’ve shown, pushing through challenges that life threw their way, emerging victorious against the odds. There are those who celebrate breaking free from the grip of mundane habits and behaviors that once held them back. And yet others see their scars and celebrate survival; a testament to God’s preservation and their resilience in brushing shoulders with life’s toughest moments.

As the year adjourns, I’m filled with gratitude, growth, and anticipation for what lies ahead. This year has been transformative in my professional journey and personal development. It was a year of stepping out of comfort zones, embracing challenges, and discovering resilience in uncertainty. My key lessons are summarised below:

• Embracing Authenticity and Inner Strength

The moments of uncertainty this year challenged me the most, presenting opportunities where I had to trust myself before seeking external validation. These experiences taught me to listen to and learn from my inner voice. In a noisy world—saturated with success stories and societal expectations—authenticity can feel like a battle. It’s easy to lose oneself in the crowd, chasing standards set by others. This year, I prioritized clarity by focusing on the "what," "why," and "how" of my goals. Regular self-assessments kept me grounded, reminding me of my purpose and pushing me to do better. Through these efforts, I’ve learned the importance of standing up for myself and advocating for my values.

• Consistency and Self-Discipline

Consistency and discipline have proven to be the highest forms of self-love. The initiatives I pursued this year taught me that every time you show up for yourself, you build confidence. This foundation makes tackling bigger challenges feel natural. Taking deliberate steps forward has been an eye-opening journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

• The Power of Hard Conversations

One of the most significant lessons this year was the value of having difficult conversations. As someone who naturally prefers to avoid conflict, I realized that these conversations are necessary for growth. They reinforced the importance of setting boundaries—particularly in professional settings. Kindness and politeness can coexist with firmness and assertiveness, and this balance has been transformative.

"I believe that each of us carries a bit of inner brightness, something entirely unique and individual. A flame that's worth protecting. When we are able to recognize our own light, we become empowered to use it." Michelle Obama

A Reminder of the Light Within

I don’t know how this year unfolded for you or how you find yourself on this last day of 2024, but I’d like to remind you of the light you carry. It’s the light that brightens the spaces you occupy, draws people to you, and illuminates the lives of those around you. It’s the light that inspires others to try, to persevere, and to have courage. It’s the light that makes others feel seen and valued.

Looking Ahead to 2025

May 2025 be a year of clarity and self-realization. May you recognize the immense light within you and give yourself the chance to be great. By doing so, you subconsciously give others permission to shine as well. Here’s to a year of embracing your power, living authentically, and inspiring those around you to do the same.

I'm rooting for you!