In this end-of-year reflection, I share my journey through the triumphs and transitions of 2024—a year I’ve come to call “The Year of Transition.” From celebrating major milestones like marriage and earning my doctorate to navigating career challenges, post-grad depression, and evolving relationships, this post is a raw and honest look at the highs and lows. Despite the struggles, I’m choosing gratitude and highlighting 10 essentials that have helped me find meaning and growth along the way—and I encourage you to reflect on your own journey and find the gratitude in your story, too.
From Triumphs to Transitions: Embracing the Highs and Lows of 2024.
Whew! What. A. Year.
What I thought would be my winning season quickly turned into my waiting season. The first half of 2024 was nothing short of splendid. I married the love of my life, had my dream wedding, honeymooned in breathtaking St. Lucia, successfully defended my dissertation, received the highest honor in my program, and graduated with my doctorate in public health. I just knew—without a doubt—that 2024 was going to be my year.
But then came the second half of 2024, and whew, it showed me no mercy. I faced the struggles of starting my "big girl" career while dealing with post-grad depression (again). No one really talks about the hard transition from being a high-achieving academic to feeling stuck, unsure of your next steps, and unmotivated. The constant ghosting from jobs and lowball offers (baby, I know my worth!) took a toll on my mental health in ways I wasn’t prepared for.
Beyond career struggles, this year tested my relationships—both in marriage and friendships. Let me tell you: marriage is work! People don’t often talk about how challenging the first year can be. It’s an exciting season filled with love and joy, yes, but it’s also a period of significant change as you and your partner navigate new roles and responsibilities. Adjusting to life as newlyweds takes time, effort, and lots of patience.
2024 also brought the end of a 10+ year friendship. If I’m being honest, I still have moments when I miss this person—the laughs, the memories, the bond we once shared. But I don’t miss how this person hurt me and how the friendship no longer served me. Letting go was painful, but necessary.
Looking back, I’ve dubbed this “The Year of Transition.” It was a year of chapters closing and new ones being written. Despite the challenges, I’m choosing not to call 2024 a bad year. Instead, I’m claiming it as a good year, filled with lessons learned, growth gained, and gratitude earned. So, as I reflect on this season, here are 10 essentials I’m grateful for—and that you might find inspiring, too.
10 Things To Be Grateful For.
1. Lessons Learned
Every experience, whether good or bad, teaches us something valuable. This year, in my waiting and transition season, I’ve learned to be humble, patient, and, most importantly, to give myself grace. The struggles reminded me that growth doesn’t always come in comfort—it often blooms through discomfort and uncertainty. These lessons have not only shaped my perspective but also fortified my character.
2. God’s Timing
Trusting in God’s perfect timing is a daily exercise in faith. This year, when doors didn’t open as I hoped, I leaned into the belief that delays aren’t denials. I’ve come to see that waiting can be a season of preparation, allowing me to appreciate the blessings that will come in God’s time.
3. God’s Intentional Plan for Your Life
Knowing that God has a unique and purposeful path for you provides hope, direction, and encouragement to keep moving forward. Even in the moments of doubt, I’ve found solace in knowing that God’s plan for my life is intentional and purposeful. The struggles I faced this year weren’t random—they were part of a greater design. Each twist and turn is aligning me with the path I’m meant to walk, offering hope and a sense of direction.
4. Your Current Season in Life
Whether it’s a season of growth, rest, or transition, every phase has its own blessings and lessons. This year, I learned to embrace the transitions and trust the process. Even when life felt messy and uncertain, I realized that this season of “in-between” was preparing me for what’s next.
5. Your Health and Well-being
The ability to wake up each day, breathe, move, and simply exist is a gift I don’t take lightly. This year, with all its emotional ups and downs, I’ve grown more mindful of nurturing my physical and mental health. From journaling to morning routines, I’ve found small ways to prioritize self-care and gratitude for my well-being.
6. Supportive Relationships
Friends, family, mentors, and my partner have been my anchors this year. Marriage reminded me that love requires effort and intentionality, and ending a decade-long friendship taught me the value of trust and boundaries. Through it all, I’m incredibly grateful for the people who uplift and encourage me, standing by me through every season.
7. Opportunities for Growth
Whether it’s been personal, professional, or spiritual, this year has stretched me in ways I didn’t anticipate. The challenges of career transitions and relationship shifts forced me to confront uncomfortable truths about myself and my expectations, ultimately paving the way for growth and self-awareness.
8. Moments of Joy and Peace
Think of big or small moments that bring happiness or calm to your day. Amid the chaos, there were still moments that brought light to my days—my wedding, honeymoon in St. Lucia, celebrating my doctorate, and even the simple joy of my productive morning routine and reflection. These moments reminded me that joy can coexist with struggle, and peace can be found in life’s little pleasures.
9. Challenges That Shaped You
Each challenge this year taught me to dig deeper, trust my inner strength, and come out stronger on the other side. I've definitely learned that the tough moments all serve as catalysts for resilience.
10. The Present Moment
This year reminded me to slow down and appreciate the gift of now. The present moment, no matter how imperfect, holds the opportunity for gratitude, reflection, and growth. Being alive, able to experience today, is a blessing we shouldn't overlook.
Well, friends, that’s enough vulnerability for today. As we approach the new year, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on all that God has done for you in this season and to embrace what He has planned for the next. Choose gratitude—for the highs, the lows, and everything in between—and trust that it’s all shaping you for what’s to come.
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