As the year winds down, I find myself introspectively threading through the myriad experiences of the past year, and how I can thoughtfully connect the dots to what I would like to bring into my future. I am here to share this unfiltered process with you, as we celebrate the growth and prepare for the promise of 2024 and I hope you find something that resonates with you.
Revisiting the year's canvas:
This year has been filled of experiences, each thread representing a unique challenge, achievement, or lesson. Reflecting on these moments, I see a pattern of resilience, adaptability, and continuous growth. The goals I set at the beginning of the year have evolved, reshaped by the experiences and learnings gained along the way. This evolution has sometimes been exhilarating, and at other times, exhausting. I have also noticed what energizes me can sometimes differ from what I'm passionate about. I'm bringing this into 2024.
Celebrating milestones and lessons:
This year has been a teacher! I will be the first to tell you that I am the worst at celebrating milestones for myself, so this was a new and intentional practice. It brought joy, but it was in the valley of challenges where I had to keep digging to find my true strength. Facing discomfort, doubt, and uncertainty was painful! There were moments when these emotions threatened to overshadow my vision. What did I do here?
I confronted these emotions head-on, I sat with the discomfort, to understand its roots, and to use it as a catalyst for growth. I practiced acknowledging my doubts, not as setbacks, but as signposts pointing towards areas needing attention and care. This process wasn't about shying away from pain or uncertainty but about embracing them as integral parts of my journey.
Building resilience came through this very act of facing what scared me. I leaned into these challenges, to find the lessons nestled within them, and to turn them into stepping stones. It was about making that crucial shift from seeing an obstacle as a barrier to viewing it as an opportunity for growth and learning.
Embracing community and collaboration:
The power of community and collaboration has been a constant source of inspiration and support! Creating The Colour Me Brave Podcast, hosting a myriad of smart, courageous and talented women of colour brought me into a deep sense of gratitude for the power of community. Showing up on social channels and sharing conversations has given way to a world of rich and complex perspectives, which continue to challenge and empower my mind and soul. Connecting with like-minded individuals, sharing experiences, and uplifting each other has reinforced the belief that together, we can achieve more. This sense of belonging and mutual support is something I cherish and seek to cultivate even more in the coming year.
Prioritizing wholeness and well-being:
This year reaffirmed the importance of self-care and maintaining those tanks of charge we need for different areas in our lives . A well-nourished soul and a rested mind are invaluable assets, and this is a lesson I continue to keep right at the top of the list, as a constant reminder of what I need to do for myself so I can serve others.
Looking ahead to 2024:
As we step into 2024, I carry with me the lessons, achievements, and experiences of this year. My focus will be on further aligning my goals with my core values, exploring new opportunities for growth, and continuing to nurture the relationships that have been instrumental in my journey.
As you join me in this end-of-year review, let's reflect on these questions together:
What achievements from this year fill you with pride and joy?
How have the challenges faced this year shaped your perspective and approach?
What opportunities for growth and expansion excite you for 2024?
What steps will you take to align your goals with your personal and professional aspirations in the coming year?
Together, let's step into 2024 with intention, purpose, and a heart full of hope. The journey continues, and the best is yet to come!
