Reflecting on the Year: 10 Lessons I Learned and What I’m Striving for Next Year

by | Nov 23, 2024

As the year comes to a close, I find myself in deep reflection. This has been a year of transformation, growth, and realization. I’ve worked to simplify my life, deepen my relationships, and create a foundation that truly aligns with the life I want to live.

Life is a journey, and every year brings new insights, lessons, and opportunities to grow. Here are 10 powerful lessons I’ve learned this year that have shaped who I am and how I live.

10 Lessons I Learned About Myself This Year

  1. Simplicity is the ultimate key to fulfillment.
    I used to think more was better—more activities, more achievements, more commitments. This year, I learned that simplifying my life through prioritizing, organizing, and discipline has brought incredible peace. By focusing on what truly matters, I’ve created space for joy and fulfillment.
  2. Freedom and joy fuel my days.
    I’ve built a life where I can do what I love every day. Freedom and joy aren’t just concepts—they’re the driving forces behind everything I do.
  3. Balance isn’t a goal—it’s a lifestyle.
    Balance isn’t something you “achieve” and move on. It’s something you live. By staying intentional with how I spend my time, I’ve found a rhythm that allows me to thrive in family, work, and personal growth.
  4. Peace, joy, and abundance are my core.
    These aren’t just words to me—they define how I live and who I am. I’ve made a conscious decision to carry these qualities into everything I do, and it’s made all the difference.
  5. Mentoring others is my passion.
    There’s nothing more fulfilling than helping others design a life they love. Whether it’s through coaching or simply sharing my journey, being a guide for others has been one of the most rewarding parts of my year.
  6. Faith is my foundation.
    Trusting in God has given me clarity, peace, and purpose. I’ve seen His hand in everything, from opportunities to challenges, and it’s deepened my trust and gratitude.
  7. Quality matters more than quantity.
    Whether it’s time, relationships, or experiences, I’ve learned to focus on what truly matters. More isn’t better—better is better.
  8. Experiences over possessions.
    This year, I embraced the mindset of enjoying experiences rather than accumulating possessions. Renting luxuries, traveling, and focusing on creating memories has brought me more happiness than anything I could own.
  9. Intentionality creates flow.
    Spontaneity has its moments, but I’ve learned that intentionality and planning create a seamless, purposeful life. Winging it rarely works for me—careful planning does.
  10. Life is an art.
    I’ve learned to savor life as an artist would—paying attention to the details, finding joy in the little things, and crafting each day with care. From the meals I cook to the moments I share with my family, I’ve embraced living fully.

What I Plan to Learn Next Year

As I look ahead, I’m filled with excitement. There’s so much more to discover about myself, and I’m eager to keep growing, learning, and evolving. Here’s what I plan to focus on next year:

  1. Thriving into my 100s.
    I’ve started imagining what it would look like to live well beyond 100 years old—strong, impactful, and full of purpose. Longevity isn’t just about living longer; it’s about living better.
  2. Mastering effortless connection.
    I want to deepen my ability to connect with people who align with my values and vision, building relationships that are meaningful and mutually fulfilling.
  3. Living with even more joy.
    There’s always room for more joy! I’m excited to explore hobbies, creative projects, and ways to make every day extraordinary.
  4. Expanding my coaching impact.
    I want to refine my coaching business to help more people transform their lives. Seeing others thrive brings me so much fulfillment, and I’m ready to take this to the next level.
  5. Deepening my faith and gratitude.
    My relationship with God is the foundation of my life, and I want to continue growing spiritually, living with gratitude and abundance.
  6. Cracking the health puzzle.
    This year, I’ve struggled with consistency in weight loss and toning. Next year, I’m committed to integrating fitness seamlessly into my life without sacrificing family time.
  7. Creating generational impact.
    I want to leave a legacy—not just for my children but for anyone I mentor. Making a lasting difference in people’s lives is a priority.
  8. Simplifying even more.
    I’ve seen the power of simplicity this year, and I’m ready to take it even further. Letting go of what doesn’t matter and focusing on what truly does is a skill I’ll continue to refine.
  9. Leveraging my strengths.
    I plan to use my passion for mentoring and balance to create systems and frameworks that help others thrive.
  10. Discovering more fun.
    Life is meant to be enjoyed. Whether it’s trying new activities, traveling, or simply laughing more, I want to make every day an adventure.

Your Turn

As you reflect on your year, what lessons have you learned? What are you excited to focus on in the coming year?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life is a masterpiece in progress. Each year, we get to add new strokes to the canvas—learning, growing, and creating the life we truly want to live.

Here’s to living fully, loving deeply, and growing continuously. Let’s make next year the best one yet!

I’d love to hear your reflections. What’s one thing you’ve learned this year, and what are you planning to learn next year? Share your thoughts—I’d love to celebrate your journey with you.