Wrapping Up 2024: Embracing Change and New Beginnings
Introduction
Hi friends! I’m sorry it’s been a while since I’ve written. As you know, I value vulnerability, and honestly, the past three months since my move to Florida have been challenging. Turning twenty has been a significant milestone for me. A decade that feels exciting and overwhelming, full of possibilities and uncertainties. In these months, I’ve been navigating considerable life changes: switching degrees, moving to Disney, experiencing personal growth, and dealing with heartbreak. Change has become a central theme in my life, and I’ve realized that the only way to move forward is by reflecting and adjusting what needs to be changed to stay true to my path. This year, I took a significant risk by pausing my studies in the Creative Industries program in Toronto to pursue my passion for making magic at Disney World with the hope to find inspiration from others, just as I did after my first Disney program. During therapy, I reflected on how much has changed over the past year. I was in a completely different place back then, finishing my first year of university, drifting from high school friendships, and slowly finding my people. With a stronger sense of who I am and who I want to become, I arrived in Florida with high expectations. On the tough days when I feel homesick or question my decision, I remind myself why I’m here and that this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’ve always been a go-getter, and like many of you, I struggle when I feel stuck or unsure of where life will take me next. But I’m learning to let go, and I think that’s what our twenties are all about. This year has taught me that if you want something to happen, you’re the one who has to make it happen. Instead of staying in bed and dwelling on homesickness, I’ve chosen to reach out to my peers and explore ways to keep growing while continuing my program. I try every scenario and every idea until I know I’ve done all I can. So, let’s dive into what my first year as a twenty-year-old has taught me!
Reflecting on Turning Twenty
You know those coming-of-age movies we all watched growing up? I never thought fiction would become my reality. Finding yourself is such a complex idea that it’s hard to grasp until you leave the familiarity of your hometown, friends, and the life you were used to. But when you take that leap, move away, and surround yourself with people who share your passions, you begin to see that leaving isn’t an end. It’s a beginning. The real challenge lies in stepping away from your comfort zone to discover a new version of yourself. At the start of this year, I spent much time alone. Just Moose and me in my studio apartment. It was a season of reflection and independence. Hosting cocktail nights with friends became a small but meaningful way to connect, and I learned to enjoy my own company truly. Living alone gave me a sense of freedom I never had before, and while I’m so excited to move back to the city and create a new “girl cave,” I’ve grown to respect my needs and value my independence. Knowing what you need, and allowing yourself to honour that, is such an important lesson. The people who genuinely love you will always stay, no matter the distance or the time apart. This year, I also faced something new for me: heartbreak. Yes, I’ve dabbled in dating before, but nothing ever felt as accurate as it did this time. I’m not sure if it was because my mindset had shifted or if it was the person himself, but before him, I was so scared to open myself up. After everything I’ve been through, especially navigating the aftermath of past trauma and building a safety net of people I trust, he was the first person I truly let in, someone I found on my own and genuinely liked. In the end, the heartbreak was necessary. It taught me that I can pick up the pieces and heal on my own. This year has shown me the importance of relying on myself. My friends always tell me they admire my confidence and love for spending time alone, and I wish everyone could experience that kind of self-assurance. It took me a long time to get here. I had to dive deep into my past, face the things I wanted to change and figure out how to move forward gracefully. This process has shaped the person I am today. Something is terrifying and thrilling about having time ahead of you while feeling the pressure to figure it all out. But I’m learning to find peace in the uncertainty and joy.
Accepting Heartbreak as Part of Growth
Heartbreak defined my year, not because of how he chose to treat me, but because of how I decided to move on. For the first time in my life, I truly understood my worth and recognized that the way I was treated wasn’t right. I’ve always been the fun, single friend dishing out advice, but I had never been so emotionally invested in a relationship. Even though it didn’t work out, I’m grateful it happened. It helped me grow into the confident, self-assured person I am today. I’m enjoying my single life with a fresh perspective, having experienced true heartbreak. It’s hard to accept when someone doesn’t want you, primarily when you’ve worked hard to become your best version. But I’ve learned that the right people will never make you feel too much or not enough. They will push you to achieve your goals, not hold you back. Recently, I ended things with someone I was seeing because I didn’t feel challenged. I need to be with someone with their own goals and the determination to achieve them while still supporting mine. I’ve also come to understand the importance of being with someone who’s done the work on themselves. Someone who knows their worth, understands their needs and is mature enough to communicate about them. These complex life experiences shape us, helping us grow and mature into the people we’re meant to be, for ourselves and future relationships. My mom often reminds me I’m only twenty, and there’s so much time ahead for love. And she’s right. Before my ex came into my life, I didn’t think much about dating or starting a family. I guess the right person can make you imagine new possibilities for your life. While I’m grateful that he showed me how deeply I’m capable of loving, I can’t wait to share that love with someone truly ready to receive it. Dating can feel exhausting, especially when all you’re trying to do is protect your heart. But heartbreak has taught me much about love, boundaries, self-worth, and resilience. It’s not about accepting the loss as an ending but seeing it as an opportunity to grow stronger and redefine what happiness looks like.
Starting a New Chapter
As 2024 comes to a close, I am still unsure where this new chapter will lead me. But I trust myself and the choices I make, knowing that everything has a way of working out as it’s meant to. My peers are always shocked that I was once in Life Sciences before switching to Creative Industries. No one ever believed I was a "gifted" student! But hey, everything happens for a reason. Maybe I should even thank my mom for not pushing me into the gifted program or maybe I wouldn’t be the bubbly person I am today(haha). After my first program at Walt Disney World, my new friends inspired and supported me to switch my degree. That decision led me to meet even more amazing people who align with my career goals and passions. This year, I’ve truly learned the importance of networking and the value of never burning a bridge. Some connections from my first Disney program have supported me during this experience, and I know I’ll stay in touch with them when I return to the city. And who knows, maybe even find my way back to the company someday. Switching degrees from Life Sciences to Creative Industries was a scary decision. It meant leaving behind a familiar, structured path for something less specific but far more exciting. At first, I worried about pivoting away from the expectations I’d placed on myself, but following my intuition was the best choice I’ve ever made. I’ve learned that taking risks, even scary ones, allows you to grow and align with what truly matters to you. Moving to Walt Disney for a year has been another bold step. The excitement of joining such a dynamic environment pushed me to step outside my comfort zone. Along the way, I’ve had to adapt to a new workplace, build new skills, and connect with people from all walks of life. These experiences have taught me the power of collaboration and how much you can learn from those around you. This year has also brought plenty of moments where I felt unsure about my future. But I’ve learned to balance my ambition with self-compassion. It’s okay to take things one step at a time and let your path unfold naturally. Ambition doesn’t mean rushing. It means staying curious and open to exploring unexpected opportunities. Through it all, I’ve had to have tough, honest conversations to advocate for myself and prioritize my well-being. And while those moments were intimidating, they’ve made me stronger and more self-assured. I’m proud of my steps this year to embrace change, lean into uncertainty, and trust that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
Lessons on Accepting Change
Change is inevitable, but how we navigate it can make all the difference in our personal growth. Over time, I’ve learned some practical ways to embrace transitions while staying true to myself. One of the first steps is allowing yourself to grieve old chapters. It’s important to acknowledge what you’re leaving behind and give yourself permission to feel the loss. This isn’t about holding onto the past but making space for the new beginnings that lie ahead. Staying present is another key piece of the puzzle. It’s easy to get caught up in future plans or to dwell on past mistakes, but there’s so much value in appreciating now. Whether it’s through journaling, taking a walk, or simply sitting with your thoughts, staying grounded helps us embrace uncertainty with clarity. Change can be scary, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to discover new strengths, meet amazing people, and uncover hidden passions. It’s crucial to lean into these new experiences, even when they feel overwhelming at first. Along the way, don’t forget to stay true to yourself. Sometimes, the hardest lesson is realizing you can’t change others, but you can focus on staying aligned with your values and prioritizing your own needs. If something doesn’t resonate with who you are or where you’re headed, it’s okay to let it go. Growth starts with asking the hard questions. What truly makes you happy, and what are you willing to work for? Finally, it’s important to accept that change is part of life. Resisting it only leads to stress, but embracing it opens the door to resilience and growth. The road ahead may not always be clear, but trusting in the journey, and knowing that each step is part of your evolution, will guide you to the right place.
Conclusion
As I close this chapter of 2024, I feel excitement and gratitude for all the lessons this year has brought. It hasn’t been easy, navigating significant changes never is, but every experience has shaped me into someone more resilient, self-assured, and ready to face whatever comes next. From heartbreak to personal growth, moving to Florida, to rediscovering my independence, I’ve learned that embracing change isn’t just about accepting what’s new. It’s about honouring where you’ve been and trusting yourself to create the future you deserve. I may not know exactly where this next chapter will lead, but I’ve realized that uncertainty isn’t something to fear, it’s something to embrace. Life has a way of working itself out when you show up for yourself and take those risks. So, here’s to stepping into the unknown, staying true to who we are, and finding joy in becoming. Thank you for sharing this journey with me. Let’s make 2025 even better!
