Year in Review

         As we approach the end of the Year of the Dragon, and begin to transition into the Year of the Snake, I find myself reflecting on what has passed.  New Years are a symbol of renewed hope for most.  True that we can start over whenever, and we should take steps proactively everyday, but there is a sort of ritual to be had where we cleanse the slate and begin anew.

        2024 admittedly was not a great year for me, and at the same time it was one of the best years.  There was a lot of turmoil happening in my personal life, and my business took a hard hit this year too.  I am working on repair in my personal life, which I know is going to take time, and things won't look the same as they used too; but progress is being made, and my friends and I have learned a lot about each other.  As for the business, it was mostly out of my control.  It seemed to be a year of death.  Many of my people lost someone very close to them, and as such took bereavement leave, leaving me consistently shorthanded throughout the year.  I don't regret making sure my people were taken care of and took the time they needed to grieve; however, I do know the toll it took on my bottom line.  I had some pretty low lows this past year, and I still have a lot to think about going forward, in terms of what I want my life to look like.

        Throughout this all I had my training.  When things got tough I did my best to bury myself in my training.  It wasn't always successful, but it kept me grounded and gave me a certain focus.  I came up with my kindness project.  I bolstered my numbers to a place they haven't been before.  I got really good topics for my blogging.  With struggle and conflict comes perseverance and ingenuity; and if you are capable, some good self-reflection.  

        The year didn't go as planned, never really does; and even though it was mentally and emotionally taxing, it did gift me with some wonderful lessons and opportunities to grow.