Journal
One month left before 2024 ends
Stories and the dreams we chased this year
It feels like just yesterday I opened a new journal, ready to write down my story for an entire year. Now, I see only a few blank pages left, and I can’t believe the year is almost over. As I read through the pages, I relive everything that happened in 2024. It’s a mix of emotions — so much happened, including some of the happiest moments of my life.
One big lesson I learned this year is to not be afraid to be your truest self. I found real happiness when I let go of expectations and lived authentically. It’s okay to do things alone, to vibe with yourself. If you feel peace in your own space, embrace it. It’s grounding, awesome, and highly affirming. So yes, it’s completely okay to put yourself first.
In my journal, I wrote that this year I wanted to be braver in opening up to new things, challenges, and people. It felt scary at first because I’ve always been someone who preferred staying in over socializing. Socializing just felt exhausting. But something changed this year.
I started opening up, one small step at a time. I didn’t aim to suddenly be the life of the party. I just didn’t want to regret the chances I didn’t take. I pushed myself to meet new people, whether through work, events, or communities. It wasn’t easy and I often felt nervous when I attended events alone. But every time, I left with something valuable — whether it was a new friend or an inspiring story. It’s so heartwarming when you find your kind of people.
The craziest thing I did this year? I finally talked to someone I admired but always felt was out of my league. At first, I was terrified. I’d overthought it for so long. But when we spoke, I was surprised by how kind and cheerful she was. She radiated such positivity, and it taught me something important: sometimes, we hold ourselves back with our own fears. Now I know how a simple message or conversation from someone you admire can brighten your day and change how you see things.
Another big lesson this year was about dreaming big — even if it feels crazy. At the end of last year, I wrote in my journal:
“I want to go to Japan. I don’t know how, but next year, I’m going to Japan.”
And guess what? I did it. Two weeks in Japan! It was the happiest moment of my year. At first, the dream felt impossible, but believing in it was the first step. Once you believe in something, you can take small, steady actions to make it real. It’s true: if you believe it, you can achieve it.
Now, as the last month of the year begins, I don’t want any of you to live with regrets. You still have one month to chase whatever you wish for this year. There’s still time to thank the people who helped you discover a new way of living this year. There’s still time to fix your mistakes and learn from them. There’s still time for good things to come. And I want you to allow them to come — you deserve them.
If this year made you cry, it also made you stronger. It might have felt like a roller coaster, but it also helped you heal in ways you might not even notice yet. I know things might not always go as planned, but I believe you are exactly where you’re meant to be.
So, as the year comes to an end, take a moment to thank yourself. You made it this far. You saved yourself, and that’s something to be proud of.
