The end of the year doesn’t have to feel like a mad dash to check boxes or chase perfection. Instead, it can be a time to slow down and move through this season with intention: embracing where we are now, seeing success as growth rather than perfection, and practicing gratitude. The magic of the holidays isn’t in doing everything—it’s in being present.
Before we dive headfirst into the festivities, let’s take a moment to breathe. Because, let’s be real—this year has been a ride. Like so many others before it, 2024 brought its challenges and triumphs. But the fact that we’re here, living and experiencing life, is a major win. So, please, give yourself some well-deserved praise.
Lesson 1: Celebrate Where You Are, Not Just Where You’re Going
It’s easy to get caught up in “what’s next”—the next goal, the next trip, the next big thing. But this year reminded me that this moment is worth celebrating, too. I’ve come so far, and the process has shown me so many facets of myself. Even now, at twenty-seven, living and working in New York with no blood family close by, I often marvel at where I’ve ended up and I’m proud. Three years into this adventure, I’ve made friends, explored my interests, and experienced both the highs and lows. I may not be able to see exactly where I’m headed. In moments like these, I am forced to let go of control. The person I am today is the result of every challenge I’ve faced and every small (or big) victory I’ve earned.
It’s funny—when you stop to reflect, you realize how much you’ve achieved just by showing up every day. And that realization leads me to something else I’ve come to appreciate this year
Lesson 2: Slowing Down Isn’t Wasted Time
We live in a world that rewards hustle and busyness, so slowing down can sometimes feel like failure. I’ve caught myself feeling guilty for resting or saying no to plans when all I really needed was a quiet evening at home with myself. But some of my most meaningful moments this year weren’t about big achievements or grand adventures in the city. They were the quiet, unplanned ones: taking spontaneous walks with no destination in mind, taking myself on a matcha date, enjoying a lazy day in bed, or eating a meal without snapping a picture of it or being on my phone. Those moments taught me that rest isn’t wasted time. It’s essential. And when I let myself slow down, I noticed something else that began to shift- my mindset. Prioritizing your well-being and recognizing the value of slowing down is a necessity. One of my best friends recommended a book called “Rest is Resistance” by Tricia Hersey where she emphasizes the importance of rest as a form of resistance against a society that often values productivity above all else.
“Rest is an act of resistance."
Lesson 3: Gratitude Changes Everything
When life feels overwhelming, gratitude has a way of bringing everything into perspective. And no, it doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or a daily journal entry. It’s in the small, everyday things: the way a friend’s text makes you smile, sharing a funny meme, the way your favorite hobby lights you up, or even the calm that comes with a deep breath. For me, 2024 was about noticing those little joys and choosing to see them, even on my hardest days. Gratitude isn’t just a fleeting emotion; it’s a practice that rewires how you see the world. And once you embrace it, you realize that even when things aren’t perfect, there’s always something to be thankful for.Gratitude transforms what we have into enough, and the chaos of the season into a quiet celebration of the moment. Speaking of perfection, that leads me to my next takeaway from this year.
Lesson 4: Success Is Growth, Not Perfection
If there’s one thing this year has taught me, it’s that success doesn’t mean getting everything right. It means showing up, trying, and learning along the way. Life is a journey! Some of my proudest moments this year weren’t tied to big accomplishments but to quiet resilience: pushing through self-doubt, sharing vulnerable parts of myself, and choosing rest when I needed it. The process of growing, even when it’s messy, is what success looks like to me now. And part of that growth has been embracing something I used to shy away from.
Lesson 5: The Unfiltered Beauty of Being Real
This year, I leaned into vulnerability more than ever before. Whether it was sharing my struggles, standing firm in my boundaries, or admitting when I didn’t have it all figured out, I realized that being unfiltered created deeper, more meaningful connections with others. When I started my blog and titled it “Unfiltered with Augustah”, my goal was to show up authentically—not just for myself, but to inspire others to do the same. The truth is, being real isn’t always easy. It requires courage and self-acceptance. But it’s worth it. Because when you embrace who you are, flaws and all, you attract the right people and experiences into your life.
As we move into the holiday season, let’s hold space for these lessons: slowing down, celebrating where we are, and being real. Life doesn’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. Let’s embrace this season for what it is—a chance to savor the present and show up as our truest selves.
Here’s to closing out 2024 with grace, gratitude, and presence. What lessons has 2024 taught you?
2025 in my favorite red velvet top. This photo sums up my personality perfectly also red is my favorite color!
Happy holidays