Lessons from ‘24

 2024 was a turbulent year for me—I think I learned quite a lot about myself and those around me. In this issue of Untitled Journals, I want to reflect on my 2024 experiences and what they taught me.

My relationship with this year was a love-hate one. I experienced hardships that tested my strengths and weaknesses, which taught me lessons I’ll never forget. Because of everything I’ve experienced, I saw the true side of certain people, and I will never forget those who stuck by my side and those who didn’t. These people and experiences shaped me into the person I am today.

One major lesson: you can’t change somebody, no matter how hard you try—sometimes you must let go of these kinds of people. Letting go is healthier, even if you’ve been so loyal to them. There are certain times when you need to focus on your well-being rather than others.

Major lesson two: Karma is very real. I’ve realized that if you do something horrible, it comes back to you in the worst possible ways. There were times when I had emotionally hurt somebody—without any thought, just by following what others did—but then I saw the consequences. Sometimes these consequences are harsh and unexpected. In 2025 I definitely don’t want to repeat the mistakes I made this year—even though those experiences showed me the harsh reality of the world. I think the lessons I learned this year will last for me for a while.

Those were the two lessons that I really wanted to reflect upon. Even though 2024 wasn’t my best year yet, it brought me friendships that I truly needed. I’m so thankful for those people who had stuck by my side—and those I had realized not to stick by.

—Untitled Journals issue 3