WEATHER ALERT
Brittany Taylor, Senior Digital Content Producer
Published: December 27, 2024, at 1:03 PM
This year has been a rollercoaster for many, filled with ups and downs. Whether it was a breakup, a job loss, unmet goals, grappling with inflation, or simply navigating mental health challenges, 2024 demanded a lot from us. As the New Year approaches, many of us begin drafting resolutions and setting optimistic goals for the future. But before we look ahead, it’s crucial to reflect on the past year. Taking stock of what went right and wrong helps us learn from mistakes and avoid carrying unresolved issues into the new year—issues that could hinder our progress toward achieving our goals.
What was my biggest lesson this year? I started 2024 feeling confident, believing I was ready to master my life. However, I quickly realized I was only scratching the surface of self-awareness. This year, I learned to confront my “shadow side”—the hidden, repressed, and often unacknowledged aspects of our personalities. This includes the anger, resentment, and impulses we suppress to conform to societal norms, instead of presenting our true selves. Addressing my shadow side became a pivotal part of my healing journey. It’s not easy; facing hidden parts of yourself can be uncomfortable and even painful. But by doing the work, I gained a deeper understanding of my triggers and how to respond to them, whether it’s a family conflict, a disagreement with a friend, or an external stressor. Sometimes, a breakup or confrontation is needed to hold up the mirror and truly look within.
It’s easy to blame others when things go wrong. But the most empowering realization is that the only person you can truly control is yourself. When you learn to master your emotions and reactions, you reclaim your power. This is where real growth begins.
As we prepare to welcome 2025, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own journey. What lessons did this year teach you? What parts of yourself are you ready to confront to make space for growth? The future is bright, but it shines even brighter when we clear the shadows of the past.
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Award-winning journalist, mother, YouTuber, social media guru, millennial, mentor, storyteller, University of Houston alumna and Houston-native.
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