Reflecting on 2023: A Year of Personal Growth and 12 Lessons Guiding Me Into 2024!
Introduction
A year ago, I wouldn't have believed you if you told me I would move alone to another country for the summer, find my support group, and start this blog with my chihuahua, Moose. My view of the world changed when I cut ties with negativity and embraced what I love. It wasn't simple, but the 12 lessons I shared here transformed me into who you see today.
January: "Go for It"
I still remember the day I received an interview offer from the Walt Disney Company, a dream of mine that felt unreal. During this period of my life, I found myself in a negative space where I didn't even feel safe with myself. Questions lingered in my mind like, how could I move across the continent, and why would Disney choose me out of all the candidates? Doubting myself, I hesitated to celebrate the fulfillment of my biggest dream. Tired of my slump and realizing that the only person who could fix this was me, I decided to go for it. Wearing my well-known pink pants, I faced the interview with determination and felt something guiding me in this direction. After the interview, my spark returned. Surrounded by like-minded people, I felt at peace and knew I belonged there. Facing my insecurities and participating in the interview process, little did I know it would shape me into the person I am today.
Interview outfit for the Walt Disney Cultural Exchange Program
February: "Connecting with Family"
During this phase of my life, I felt out of sync with the world and myself. The light at the end of the tunnel that got me through those tough months was the anticipation of my upcoming trip to visit my cousin in the UK. Sabrina, my inspiring cousin, sparked the idea for this blog with her tales of moving from Canada to Edinburgh. The brief time spent with family ignited my happiness and sparked inspiration, reminding me of the joy of connecting with loved ones, free from distractions.
An espresso martini at Harrods to cure my jetlag after my arrival in London
March: “The Importance of Seeking Help"
Here's a friendly note to my 2022 self that I'm ensuring my 2024 self remembers: It's perfectly okay to seek help and open up about inner thoughts. As you would readily support your friends, believe they would do the same for you. After sharing my thoughts with a trusted person, it felt like a weight lifted off my chest, and suddenly, someone else could help carry the load. The support I received within just a month was astonishing. Reflecting on why I waited so long was a realization, but the lesson I learned was clear—embrace the strength in reaching out sooner. And yes, there is someone out there who loves you and would do anything to keep you safe.
April: "It’s OK to Take a Break"
Once I decided to prioritize my mental health, especially with the anticipation of working at Walt Disney World in the summer, the thought of returning to Toronto for the school year was something I knew I wasn't ready to do. Thankfully, my mom supported my choice to move back home early and even allowed me to drop out. Now, I'm not one to give up that easily, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could complete the school year successfully, but modifications had to be made in order for my happiness. So, despite the battles, I geared up for the year. Yet, I savour precious moments at home with my mom and furry friends, including Dug. Reconnecting with my mom was a blast; we even went to. Sunday crafts event at Michaels, unintentionally crashing a kids' event, and we might have been having the most fun!
May: "Adventure is Out There"
And just like that, it was time to pack up my faithful orange SUV, Nemo, and bring my emotional support sidekick, Dug, along for the ride. A few weeks before, I made it clear I wouldn't head to Florida without him, and yes, he joined me on this grand adventure! The challenge of going solo was a bit alarming, but thanks to Dug, I found the perfect companion to keep me company. He served as an excellent icebreaker and played matchmaker, introducing me to some of my closest friends, and even after his passing, he brought me Moose! I was unsure if I could handle three months alone, so Dug was the game-changer. Home wasn't the place to shift my perspective on life, so why not move to the most magical place on earth? Disney worked its magic, and my three-month adventure left such an impression that I commemorated it with an "adventure is out there" tattoo—a special mention to the Disney movie "Up," a favourite of mine and Dug's!
June: "Acceptance"
We've reached the halfway point of the year, and let me tell you, one of the most crucial lessons I've embraced is acceptance—both of myself and others. I've realized that I need to release my grasp on things beyond my control to find happiness. This newfound acceptance empowered me to start this blog and finally focus on things that serve my well-being. The epiphany struck when I surrounded myself with confident people who created an atmosphere for everyone to flourish and voice their opinions. I realized a good relationship lies in respecting each other despite differing opinions and aligning future goals and values. Being in the company of confident souls who uplift instead of pull down allowed me to rediscover my true self again — finally laughing, smiling, speaking up, and pursuing my goals. Another crucial piece was accepting past interactions and relationships for what they were. With a clear sense of my values and goals, I can happily bid farewell to situations with peace and zero remorse and enter the new year with a positive slate.
July: "At Peace”
Once I learned to accept others' actions and move forward, a wave of peace washed over me, unlocking the ability to express myself in ways I never thought possible. The most heartwarming compliments I've received this year revolved around witnessing my happiness. When people recognized my growth, I finally saw my progress and could kick back, relax, and enjoy life's simple joys. And what better place to do this than Walt Disney World? Life isn't always this carefree, so when those moments of happiness and relaxation come around, we shouldn't take them for granted. Life throws challenges our way—whether it's loved ones, goals, or the work needed for our next adventure—so let's enjoy the happiness when it enters our lives.
August: "Loss and Change"
July was joyful, but it turned bittersweet with the loss of my loyal companion, Dug. He witnessed my lows and celebrated my growth over the few years he was in my life for. Overcoming this tough loss was possible thanks to a supportive group of people in both America and Canada. After Dug's passing, leaving Florida and friends for a new university in Toronto brought mixed emotions. Facing these challenges without Dug was hard, but his memory gave me the strength to embrace the changes and finish the summer strong in his honour.
September: "Self-Love"
Settling into Toronto without my usual Disney bubble prompted some self-reflection and goal-setting. No more texting friends to go to Magic Kingdom before our shift—instead, I embraced "self-care dates." Worried about slipping into old habits life before living with Dug, I motivated myself to explore Toronto's offerings on days off. From cafe hopping to market adventures and occasional shopping sprees, I found joy in people-watching and reading at parks. This time alone allowed me to prioritize self-care with no excuses, turning Toronto into an enjoyable city adventure—a stark contrast from my previous experience here when I moved to the city last year.
October: "Protect Your Peace"
October was filled with activities, unveiling lessons that were way beyond midterms. Amidst this whirlwind of events, the arrival of Moose brought a significant moment of joy. However, it coincided with a less favourable circumstance—feeling unsafe in my personal space and confronting the same old negative habits. Stepping up, I decided to go with my gut and protect my peace by moving into my studio apartment, alone with Moose, as detailed in my previous blog. Surprisingly, it proved to be the best decision I could have made. This experience serves as a reminder that true happiness often demands change, and you hold the power to create your own peace, and you can't always blame it on others. Well, maybe sometimes you can ;). Setting boundaries and nurturing your well-being become essential elements in the delightful experiences of life.
November: "Embracing Solitude"
Discovering the power of solitude has been a transformative journey, unveiling unexpected joys and profound growth. The pivotal moment came with the shift to my studio apartment, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Living alone, accompanied by Moose, provided a canvas for self-discovery. It's about the quiet moments and diving into my passions, such as my blog. Amidst the solitude, connecting with the community became a delightful surprise—meeting kind neighbours with mutual connections added warmth to the experience. Now, I can express my true self in this safe space, creating a space for introspection and personal growth.
Self care night
December: "Setting Goals"
As I look back on the past year, I can't help but marvel at the accomplishments that have shaped my journey. From transitioning from a life sciences degree to a creative industries degree to working for Disney, each step has been a testament to my growth. Reflecting on these achievements, I set realistic and inspiring goals for the upcoming year. When someone inquired about my aspirations at my part-time job, I confidently shared my newfound passion and proficiency. It starkly contrasts the uncertainty and fear that clouded my thoughts last year. Now, I'm diligently working towards personal growth in various aspects of life, driven by a genuine excitement for what lies ahead. For the first time in forever, I'm thrilled about my path.
Conclusion
As the curtains close on this transformative year, I stand at the intersection of personal growth and anticipation. From the spontaneous decision to chase my dreams at Disney to the heartbreak of losing my loyal companion, Dug, each chapter has proven growth and resilience. Navigating the ebbs and flows of life, I've learned to embrace change, enjoy solitude, and protect my peace. Setting foot on this path of self-discovery allowed me to accept myself and articulate my goals with newfound confidence. The journey from uncertainty to excitement is a testament to the power of resilience and self-love. As I eagerly anticipate the upcoming year, I carry with me the lessons of the past—paving the way forward. Here's to embracing the unknown, setting personal goals, and relishing the journey that awaits, knowing that each step is a step forward to a life well-lived.
Moose at the Distillery District winter market
