Ah, December. The grand finale of the year. A time for twinkling lights, mulled wine, and — drumroll please — to the “look-what-I-achieved” posts. You know the ones. They flood your feed like clockwork, boasting about promotions, dream vacations, fitness transformations, and perfect families in matching pyjamas. It’s like a competitive sport: Achievement Olympics, sponsored by self-congratulatory hashtags.
And don’t get me wrong—I love a good success story. Who doesn’t? But let’s face it, for many of us, this year wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. In fact, if you managed to crawl, limp, or drag yourself through 2024, that’s a colossal win. So, if your biggest achievement this year was simply surviving, grab a cuppa (or something stronger), and let’s raise a toast to you.
Survival Mode: My Current Reality
Let me be real with you. Right now, I’m working a contract that has me on 12-hour rotational shifts – thank goodness no nights. I thought I’d have time to pack up my place—yes, I’m moving again, my fourth move since 2020. At this point, it feels like an annual tradition. (Next year, I’m expecting to find a "frequent mover" rewards card in the post!)
But between those long shifts and my mental fatigue, I’ve barely managed to get past the first four boxes I packed before this contract started. So, if you’ve noticed it’s been quiet on social media or you’ve been wondering where my newsletters disappeared to—this is why. For me, it’s pure survival mode.
When Life Fell Apart... Again
Earlier this year, my life was falling apart. I thought I had put things behind me but they have a way of confronting you when you least expect it! But, as always, I stayed positive and looked at everything as a lesson. Life isn’t a smooth, straight road; it’s more like a tornado with roller coasters at every turn. You hold on tight, scream a little (or a lot), and somehow make it through.
Gratitude is huge for me. I’m grateful for every lesson learned and for having the strength to walk away from people, situations, and jobs that no longer serve me. It’s not always easy, but healing is a journey — one step at a time. Life is too short to waste on things that don’t align with who you are or where you’re going. I definitely learnt that during the Pandemic and so grateful and blessed to have my loved ones around.
Procrastination & Finding Refuge
Burnout hit me hard. I found myself stuck in a cycle of procrastination, not because I was lazy, but because I was completely drained. I knew I needed a break. So, I packed up my exhaustion and headed to see a sister — a soul sister who gets me, knows me inside out, and feeds my spirit.
Shout out to her for helping me refuel and recharge. Thanks to her, I’ve found some energy and focus again, which is why you’re getting two blog posts in within 7 days. WOW. A minor miracle in my current state. But let me be clear—I can’t promise this momentum will last.
The Unknown & Trusting the Universe
My work contract ends mid-January, and I need to be fully packed and out of my rental home by the end of January. Having lived in Canada for 21 years, I have stuff for a home. I have moved every single year since 2020 and purged each time but I have a full kitchen with machines, gadgets, pots, pans and everything in between. Trying to figure out what I will actually need is so damn hard especially when I have no idea where I'm going!
The uncertainty of where I’m moving next hasn’t made me panic — yet. Maybe it should, but deep down, I have this unshakeable belief that things will work out. My gut instinct is whispering, “You’re going to be okay. Everything will fall into place, like it always does.”
And you know what? I believe it. I know the Universe has my Back. Even when everything feels overwhelming, I’ve learned to trust that the right doors will open when they need to. And I do have a backup plan in place!
The Art of Doing “Nothing”
Let’s debunk this myth right here, and right now: Getting through the year is not “nothing.” In fact, it’s the most underrated achievement. When life feels like a never-ending treadmill, staying on your feet is a feat.
You didn’t launch a business empire this year? That’s fine. You didn’t run a marathon? Who cares. You didn’t master five new languages or adopt a rescue llama? Brilliant. But maybe, just maybe, you:
- Survived heartbreak.
- Navigated anxiety or depression.
- Managed to keep your family afloat.
- Supported a friend who was struggling.
- Showed up when you didn’t want to.
Every one of those things is huge. So stop downplaying it.
The “Achievement” Trap
We’ve been conditioned to think achievements need to be shiny, Instagram-worthy milestones. But why? Since when did simply being enough stop being… well, enough?
We need to dismantle the idea that our worth is tied to productivity. Sure, success is lovely. But so is sanity. And sometimes, choosing peace overpressure is the bravest thing you can do.
If your “highlight” of 2024 was simply not giving up, I applaud you. That’s resilience, and resilience is fierce.
Finding Joy in Small Wins
Let’s lighten up a little. Because even when things were tough, there were still moments of joy, weren’t there?
Perhaps you:
- Laughed at a ridiculous meme that had you in stitches.
- Binge-watched a comfort series and didn’t feel guilty about it.
- Cuddled your dog (who, let’s face it, deserves an award for their emotional support).
By the way, shout out to my dog, Samosa and my cat, Kajal. Both have unwavering love and enthusiasm for life. They have been one of my most reliable joys this year. They don’t care if I’m winning awards or just winning at getting through the day. Pets are brilliant that way.
So, whether it was enjoying a spontaneous dance-off in your kitchen or finally finishing that jigsaw puzzle, every single small win matters.
Permission to Be Proud
I’m giving you permission—no, an insistence—to be proud of yourself. Not for what you’ve achieved, but for what you’ve endured.
It’s okay if this December, your big reflection is: “I made it.” That’s more than enough. Let the world celebrate their milestones. You can celebrate your survival. Light a candle, make yourself a hot chocolate, and acknowledge everything you’ve overcome.
Looking Ahead
I’m not about to declare that 2025 will be the year because, let’s be real, we’ve all heard that one before. But I will say this: you’re entering it stronger, wiser, and more resilient. Maybe a little tired, maybe a little bruised, but definitely more prepared for whatever life throws your way.
So, if you’re scrolling through social media and seeing those “glossy year-in-review” posts, remember this: it’s perfectly fine if yours reads, “I survived.” It’s more than fine. It’s absolutely bloody brilliant.
And when you raise your glass on New Year’s Eve, raise it high. Not to accomplishments or accolades, but to your resilience, your grit, and your determination to keep going.
