Year of growth

I’ve been trying to write this piece for over a month now. Why is it so hard to capture everything I’ve been feeling? Probably because this year has stretched me beyond my limits, forcing me to rediscover who I am and the kind of person I want to be.

At first, I thought I’d list everything that went wrong this year—there’s plenty of material—and share the lessons I learned along the way. I could write about trust, who deserves it and who doesn’t, or how people often enter your life with a purpose you don’t immediately understand—sometimes to teach you, sometimes to walk beside you as you find your path.

But instead, I’m taking on a challenge a good friend gave me: to focus on the positive.

2024 was rough—challenging and eye-opening, to say the least. But everything I’ve been through brought me here and shaped the person I am today. So, here’s to the good.

The year began on a high note as I joined an incredible cohort of entrepreneurs at Mana Tech. That experience expanded my network in ways I couldn’t have imagined. With some magic, some of those connections became my lifeline later in the year. They taught me about resilience, not giving up, and, most importantly, believing in myself and trusting my instincts.

Coming back home, I found the strength to make a personal decision that completely altered my planned future. It wasn’t easy—it was one of my most demanding challenges.

Discovering that I’d been deceived for 15 years was devastating, but it also revealed something beautiful: I am surrounded by incredible friends who love and support me. Life is unpredictable, and what feels right—or wrong—can shift in unexpected ways.

This year also gave me the gift of travel. Attending the Licensing Show for the first time was extraordinary—I reconnected with dear industry friends, soaked in trends, and witnessed innovation up close. Berlin and London added another layer of richness: reconnecting with old friends, exploring new places, walking streets I’d always dreamed of, and meeting many inspiring people. These experiences were true highlights of the year.

Of course, there were moments when life forced me to slow down. My health gave me some serious scares—surgeries, paralysis—but those challenges were eye-opening. Getting caught up in the grind and neglecting your physical and mental well-being is so easy. Spending two months on bed rest taught me the value of stillness, the importance of going inward, and the courage to ask for help.

This time of reflection reshaped my priorities. I’ve started setting boundaries, appreciating the present, and valuing myself in ways I never did.

The ADHD diagnosis was also a turning point—the missing piece of the puzzle. Suddenly, so many things made sense: how my mind works, the struggles I’ve faced, and the patterns I’ve repeated. Understanding this has been freeing, helping me break old habits and embrace the moment I live today.

I know it’s a cliché, but everything happens for a reason. Life unfolds on its timeline, and I’ve learned to trust that process. Slow down. Don’t rush. Listen to yourself. Trust your instincts. Follow your passions. And surround yourself with people who believe in you, even when you can’t believe in yourself.

Thank you to those people in my life (you know who you are).

I couldn’t have made it this far without you.

Here’s to a 2025 filled with growth, love, and peace of mind.

Cheers & love 🥂

M.