It’s finally time to wind down 2024, and boy has it been a ride.
This year has been a struggle for many of us, and for just as many, it has been the best year yet. I’ve looked forward to the holidays for so long, and thankfully it’s finally here.
For a lot of people, the holidays are usually a whirlwind of joy, tradition, and a million tasks trying to overwhelm the Christmas spirit. It’s very easy to get lost in the chaos, but I always try to use to this time to reflect on the year.
In November, I challenged myself to reflect on the year everyday for 30 days. Because I didn’t want to do this alone, I started a tiny journaling community to do this exercise with.
This was my first time starting so early, but it has made a big difference. At the vision boarding brunch I hosted earlier this month, we took some time to think, write, and discuss the things we were grateful for. It’s the 29th of December, and I’m still adding to that list.
At many points this year, I felt myself losing hope and faith in my prosperity. I often found myself in tears, and in battles with my sobriety. I’m 612 days sober from [redacted], and I genuinely never ever thought I would get this far. With how taunting the year was, there were so many times when I tried to slip up, and I still don’t know how I didn’t.
Gratitude has a way of shifting our perspective, and this year, it did mine. It has been my constant companion, reminding me that even in the most challenging times, there’s often something to appreciate. It grounds us, and helps us savour the present, then sparks hope for the future.
Through the highs and lows, the big wins, the quiet joys, gratitude had me. I focused a lot on the bad for the most part of this year, but I took several moments to reflect on the good that 2024 brought me, and here’s a sneak peek.
1. the lessons hidden in struggles:
“I’m thankful for shege that’s balanced with blessings. The shege no pass the blessings, but the shege dey.
But e no pass the blessings so, we thank God.”
- Unknown TikToker
This year, every challenge I faced taught me something valuable. A lot of days felt overwhelmingly heavy, but as I look back, I see how each of those moments pushed me to grow. Tough conversations taught me to communicate better. Unexpected detours reminded me that adaptability is a strength. Even failures were opportunities to learn, unlearn, and relearn. I’m very grateful for these lessons because they’ve shaped me into a stronger version of myself.
2. small joys that brought big comfort:
It’s so easy to overlook the little things, but this year, they meant everything. My quiet mornings with a cup of coffee or matcha felt like the warmest hugs. The sunsets painted the sky in colours of hope. The morning runs helped me start my day better. The random texts from friends that made me laugh out loud. The reels and TikToks my friends sent to keep me going. These small joys were my anchors on the very chaotic days. They reminded me to pause, breathe and appreciate the beauty that exists in the everyday.
3. the people who stayed, the ones who joined, the ones who left:
This year showed me the importance of community and connection. My friends and family have been my rock; always ready with a kind word, a listening ear, and even generous gifts. I’m equally thankful for the new and rekindled relationships that blossomed, the people who inspired me, challenged me, and added new dimensions to my life. This year, my people made me feel seen, and there’s nothing in the world that I’d trade that for.
4. opportunity to create and grow
I’m grateful for the space and opportunities I had to explore my creativity through different mediums. Creativity gave me outlets to express myself, connect with others, and make something meaningful. Everything I did, no matter how big or small, reminded me of the joy that comes from bringing ideas to life. It wasn’t just about the finished work—it was about the process of discovery, experimentation, and the growth along the way.
Having the freedom to create without limits is a gift, and for that, I’m deeply thankful.
5. moments of rest and reflection:
In a world that highly glorifies hustle, I’ve come to cherish the moments when I allowed myself to slow down. It wasn’t just about physical relaxation; I gave myself the mental space to reflect and recharge. Being able to just sit in silence on a quiet evening, or journal through my feelings reminded me to honour my boundaries and listen to my inner voice.
When I needed it, it served as the gentle nudge to trust the process, and find peace in the pause.
your turn: what are you grateful for?
I want you to reflect on your year, grab a notebook, or even open your Notes app, and jot down your gratitude list for 2024. If you’d like a few prompts to help you get started, you can download my reflection prompts sheet (it’s free).
As we step into 2025, I urge that we continue or start to carry this sense of gratitude with us. It doesn’t mean that we ignore the hard times, or pretend that everything is perfect. It means that we choose to see the light even when it feels dim, because gratitude is the lens that helps us focus on what truly matters.
Thank you for being here with me this year, I’m so grateful for you, this space, and for the journey we’re on together.
Here’s to more growth, joy and gratitude in 2025! I hope you had a merry Christmas.
lulu’s recs for the week
A few things to check out in your free time 👀
To read
A framework for choosing by Linda Ikechukwu: I love to go back to this article every now and then, because i’m an indecisive queen.
Why Healthy Boundaries Could Change Your Life – And How To Set Them by Victoria Joy: Boundaries are so important. I learned the hard way, and this article helped.
To watch
Joy: The Birth of IVF (Netflix): This was such a heartfelt and insightful movie, and the best part is that it’s based on the true life story.
The Six Triple Eight (Netflix): I was genuinely so surprised at how much I enjoyed this film because I rarely enjoy Tyler Perry’s films. It’s such an important story to that the world needs to know, and I’m glad it was well done.
To listen
Lulu’s Yap station: The best podcast EVER🙂↔️
As always, I wish you the best week ahead, and i hope we’re having the best holiday!
Love, Lu.