Another year has passed, bringing new insights, fortitude, and fulfilled dreams. I am thankful for the chance to develop and the bravery to face the future as I start this new chapter, and I anticipate even better times to come.
The year 2024 comes to an end today. I am incredibly thankful for this year, including the difficulties I encountered, the knowledge I gained, and the minor and significant successes that shaped who I am. I am grateful for the moments that reminded me of the beauty of life, the people who helped me along the way, and the strength to keep going.
For me, this year has not been easy.
My life has changed irrevocably due to decisions I never would have imagined having to make.
The number of times I've cried this year is unknown, but I'm still here, taking care of myself.
I've had a lot of mini-breakdowns and some serious ones. I've experienced both. I always turn to a friend when I need someone to listen. Even though my friend will never understand how that saved me, I am grateful. However, there were times when I had to handle everything alone. I often cried in private when I was feeling my lowest—alone, exhausted, and empty. At other times, I was about to give up.
Despite several breakdowns, I am still alive and thriving today. Even though I dealt with a lot this year, it helped me become the most potent version of myself yet.
Battles that I once thought would shatter me have shaped me and given me stories of tenacity and courage. Even though it feels difficult, I continue to keep on and keep going.
I've learned a lot about life this year.
There are always reasons to thank God, even in the face of difficulties.
I might use it as a strength to get through the day.
Trials test my spirit but highlight little, sometimes missed blessings. By reminding me that God's goodness is evident even in the most trying situations, gratitude helps me change my attention from what is gone to what is still there.
I also received my Teacher III promotion this year, which I had been waiting for for a long time. God gave it to me at the perfect time, but I was extremely frustrated with the long wait.
The difficulties, delays, unanswered prayers, and waiting will all make sense.
I can now see how each turn prepared me for something better, which was impossible back then. It is where I grow, my faith grows, and the best ideas come to fruition.
You'll realize your patience was well worth it when the time comes.
God's Grace is most visible during quiet times, waiting periods, and difficult times. In the quiet moments when life appears uncertain, he gently shapes my heart and fortifies my spirit.
Though it isn't always obvious, God's timing is always impeccable.
It gives you meaning when life seems uncertain, and it keeps you calm when you're stressed.
His plans are flawlessly carried out, even if you must wait longer than expected or take a different route. Have faith that every delay and detour serves a purpose and that He knows what is best for you.
Everything happens in His time—not always in the way you expected, but often in much better ways.
I occasionally compared my accomplishments to those of others, but this year, God helped me realize that:
My journey is unique and should not be similar to anyone else's.
I am not falling behind simply because my path appears different; life is not a race or competition. Even if it doesn't match someone else's timeline, each chapter progresses appropriately. I realized that I must have faith that I am exactly where I need to be now. Much more beauty is to come, and my story is still being written.
Although difficult times can feel overwhelming, they can also be a disguised blessing.
They teach me lessons that only adversity can teach: how to find joy in the smallest of things, to stay strong when giving up seems more straightforward, and to be patient when nothing seems to be going right. These experiences help me grow, broaden my outlook on life, and remind me of what is truly important. Without adversity, I would not have developed or realized my full potential.
Looking back, I now see that those difficulties were not failures but stepping stones to my destiny.
Despite their seeming emptiness and weight, these seasons have a purpose. Major surprises do not always accompany Grace; they can be found in the never-ending hope, the strength I didn't realize I possessed, or the serenity that keeps you going.
Have faith that in these quiet, invisible places, His Grace works in ways you cannot comprehend.
All the breakdowns I've experienced will lead to breakthroughs by 2025. Redirections will be the result of rejections. My silent, persistent prayers will be heard and answered. I'm waiting for my winning moment.
Cheers to living, prospering, and appreciating the blessings that await!