Wrapping Up 2024

If there's one thing about me, it's that I love a good yearly recap. I used to go all out with them in alphabetical order – because why not? But let's not revisit that phase today (thankfully). Last year, I missed the chance to write this yearly recap, but this time around, I've got the time, the stories, and a cup of tea ready. So, let's take a stroll through my highlights of 2024.

I can comfortably say that 2024 was an awesome year. My business blossomed in ways I didn't dare to dream, I carved out precious moments with my family, and I poured time and energy into myself – something I have long neglected. I let go of the negativity weighing me down and leaned into growth, joy, and new beginnings. For the first time in what feels like forever, life just clicked.

Paid off my student loan in a year

Ah, student debt. If you have ever had it, you know the weight it carries, like a constant reminder of something that needs to be dealt with. Before I went to the university I graduated from, I actually enrolled in a tech college for a year. I only managed two semesters before I walked away – thankfully, it was just two semesters. The cost of living was overwhelming, and hidden fees piled up, along with the weight of my student loan. It just felt like too much.

It wasn't a huge debt, but still, a debt's a debt. For a long time, I pushed it to the back of my mind, not really thinking about it. But in 2024, I made a promise to myself. I committed to paying it off monthly, without fail, from January onward. And on my birthday, I made the last payment. 

To finally be debt-free, on a day that was already so special, felt like a full-circle moment. All those years of ignoring it, and now – freedom.

Worked on myself

I spent 2024 working on myself. I took a step back from the public radar and focused on growing quietly, little by little. I stayed consistent with my healthy habits, practiced kindness – both towards myself and others, and learned to trust my intuition more. I cared for my space, protected my energy, and paid attention to my triggers, slowly working through them. I'm proud of how far I have come and how I handled things. It feels good to see the growth.

Having a thriving business

This is probably my biggest highlight of the year – maybe even for years to come. I never imagined that the little business my sister and I started in our living room during the pandemic would grow into a six-figure success. Saying that out loud still feels surreal. 

We have had multiple sold-out shop updates, reached 100k followers, a sweet little community of supporters, and the ability to take care of all our bills without asking for help. There's something truly magical about being able to say "go get it" when we want something, without worrying about the price. To buy more time with what we have, to nurture ourselves, and to finally feel in control – it's beyond words. Running this business has been a huge part of my growth, and it's taught me so much about perseverance and the power of following your dreams.

Honestly, I might just give up my writing career for this business (but don't worry, I won't LOL). If I wanted to, though, I could. I love this business too much. It's my pride and joy. 

Improved my buying habits

One thing I have really focused on improving each year is my relationship with money and my buying habits. I used to be the type to splurge without thinking, especially when money felt abundant. If you didn't know, I have been on a buying ban (or low buy) for the past three years, and it's become second nature. I have learned to listen less to impulses and more to what truly matters. Every month, I track my purchases and expenses in my journal – it's something I take pride in. Delayed gratification has taught me that big rewards are always worth the wait.

Worked with brands that value me

If there's one thing I have learned from the blogging world, it's that setting boundaries is essential. This year, I have been selective with the brands I work with, and it's paid off. I might not have done as many collaborations this year, but the ones I did were with brands that truly appreciate my worth. It's been so refreshing to work with people who see the value I bring, and honestly, my earnings have doubled – maybe even tripled. Moral of the story: know your worth, folks!

Started and finished a lot of home improvement projects

I have had a long list of projects I have been putting off for, well, years. But in 2024, I finally tackled a bunch of them with my strong and sweet partner, Adan. We have DIY'd so much around the house, and it feels amazing to finally check those off the list.

Spending plenty of time with my family

While it was a year of personal growth and business success for me, I also made sure to prioritize my family. I'm really lucky that I can use the time and resources I have to spend more quality time with them. Family > everything, always.

Found peace with social media

At the start of 2024, I was determined to improve my relationship with social media. Growing up online, it's all I've known. But I realized how much the Internet had taken priority over real-life experiences – and I wasn't happy about it. I have never gotten into TikTok (thankfully, aside from that one moment of weakness) but I did want to spend way less time online, on my phone, and oversharing. And I'm proud to say I have done just that. Swapping digital hours for offline moments has felt so refreshing. I hope it stays this way.

Embracing life without a big circle

For most of my life, I thought I needed a big group of friends to feel validated. But this year, I finally realized that having a smaller, more meaningful circle is so much more fulfilling. Embracing my own company has been an unexpected gift, and I have also learned that sometimes, friendships ending can be a blessing. The few true friends I have left, I truly cherish. As for the ones that faded, I carry them with me as part of my lived-in past.

Thank you all so much for being a part of my 2024. Here's to another wonderful year ahead <3

What were some of your highlights in 2024?