As I reflect on the past year, I feel an overwhelming mix of emotions. I feel pride for the wonderful things that I was able to accomplish; and I feel disappointment for the goals that I wanted to reach but fell short of. I feel happiness for the memories I made with people I love; and I feel guilt for not being present enough and making as much time as I should have for certain friends and family. 

I turned 29 this year (which, I know, is "so young" to the many people who roll their eyes at me when I say I'm getting old) but I can't help but notice the weight I feel in growing older and experiencing a shift in so many things that I used to love, just not sitting right with me anymore. 

As we get older, I think we can all agree on the fact that life definitely does not get easier. Yes, I'm single and have no kids, but life is still crazy and unpredictable and sometimes so overwhelming that it feels like I don't know what the hell I'm doing... But then days like today, when I take a moment to pause, I remind myself of how far I've come and an immense feeling of gratitude washes over me, erasing any doubts I may have had in the back of my mind about how this past year unfolded.

Every choice I have made, whether I reflect on as good or bad, has made me into the person I am today. I don't regret anything - because everything I go through in life is either a blessing or a lesson. Every choice I make gets me one step closer to the person that I ultimately want to be. 

To me, the most beautiful part about life is being able to redefine yourself, over and over again, to become whatever person it is that you want to be. My definition of who exactly I want to be is something that is always ever changing, but the idea always remains the same. And that is to become the ultimate best version of myself - personally, professionally, and spiritually - and to inspire others to do the same. 

We decide who we want to be at the end of the day. And no one else - not your colleagues, not your family, friends, and definitely not people who don't even know you - can define that for you. So think to yourself... who exactly is it that you are going to be in the New Year?

I feel much excitement for what is to come, and I feel so grateful for the chance to reflect, reset, and redefine the person that I am going to be in 2024. ✨

Cheers to everyone for an ever prosperous New Year filled with love & blessings. ♥