2024 was a year of significant change. From rediscovering a childhood sport to witnessing friends build their own families, I experienced a range of life transitions. Change has never been easy for me; in fact, I've often found it scary and heartbreaking. However, this year, I discovered that the pain of change often signifies growth.
My curiosity and passion pushed me to unexpected heights. I've confronted deeply buried wounds and found fulfillment in supporting others through their own struggles. I enter 2025 feeling accomplished and ready for what lies ahead.
For the past decade, I've greeted each New Year with fear and tears. This year, I refuse to let fear define me. I acknowledge my anxieties, but I will not be held captive by them any longer.
As I reflect on this challenging, but rewarding, year, I'd like to share five key lessons I learned in 2024:
The Power of Self-Reflection:Â By reflecting on past experiences, understanding our emotions, and examining our internal narratives, we gain valuable insights into ourselves and our behaviors. This self-awareness is crucial for personal growth and healing.
Anger is a difficult emotion, but it can offer valuable insights. Acknowledge and express anger in a healthy way, rather than bottling it up until it explodes.
Our internal narratives provide valuable insights, particularly when we are feeling stuck.
Shame hinders our ability to thrive. Check in with yourself to see if the shame you are experiencing is warranted, or someone else's projected anger. Depending on your findings, respond with kindness to yourself or others.
Our greatest strengths can be our greatest weaknesses, too.
There are always more facets of ourselves waiting to be discovered.
Most of us carry the imprint of past traumas, which shape our worldviews and have lasting impacts.
The Interconnectedness of Mind and Body:Â It is integral to understand the connection between our minds and bodies for long-term healing and growth. Somatic practices are a great way to address fears and break free from limiting beliefs.
Fear can distort reality, making even the most rational person irrational. Avoidance, over-control, and mistrust are adaptive responses to fear that severely limit our potential.
The human fear response dates back to primordial times. It is highly adaptive, despite sometimes showing up in illogical situations. There's nothing wrong with you for panicking. In order to heal, you need to go back to the body basics, like somatic practices and creativity. Thinking your way out of it doesn't work.
The Importance of Compassion:Â Compassion, both for ourselves and others, is essential. Offering self-compassion to our past traumas and childhood experiences can significantly impact our present lives.
"Hurt people hurt people" - It doesn't have to do with you. But the rejection you feel is real. Take care of that wounded part.
Loneliness does not equate to isolation. Chronic feelings of loneliness could be the response to being alone with your emotions as a child. Be with that wounded part who feels like the pain will last forever.
The Value of Authentic Communication:Â Honest communication, including speaking up for yourself and setting boundaries, is important for moving forward. There are detrimental effects to suppressing emotions. To have a healthy relationship, prioritize clear and direct communication.
Accept people at face value. Don't expect anyone to change for you.
Saying "no" is uncomfortable, but necessary. Saying "yes" when we don't want to can lead to long-term pain and resentment.
Speak up. Don't expect others to read your mind.
The Necessity of Self-Care:Â It is important to prioritize self-care, including activities like movement, creativity, and social connection. It is imperative to take care of yourself before helping others.
While self-abandonment may have been necessary for survival during difficult times, prolonged self-neglect can have detrimental consequences.
Emotions don't need to be "fixed"; They need to be felt and processed.
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