Embrace the Cringe: 21 lessons from 2024 to carry into 2025
2024 was a year of growth, reflection, and learning. As we step into 2025, I want to honor the lessons that shaped me. These are the truths I’m carrying forward—truths that remind me to live boldly, simply, and wholeheartedly. I hope they hold this potential for you as well.
1. excitement is not a sin
When you move from the heart, magic happens. In 2024, I learned that excitement isn’t random—it’s a compass pointing you toward what’s meant for you. It’s easy to dismiss what excites us as frivolous or unrealistic, but I’ve realised that following those sparks often leads to profound moments of connection and creativity. Whether it was saying yes to an impromptu adventure or pursuing an idea that lit me up, excitement always guided me somewhere meaningful.
2. It’s rarely about you
People’s reactions are rarely about you—they’re about them. This truth freed me in 2024. How much energy have I wasted replaying someone’s words, questioning my worth, or trying to fix something that wasn’t mine to fix? This year, I’ve learned to pause and ask: “Is this really about me?” Most of the time, it isn’t.
3. Opposing views ≠ opposites
Two people can look at the same situation and see completely different truths. That doesn’t mean one of them is wrong. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of perspective—different sides of the same cube. Realizing this has softened my need to defend or debate; instead, I’ve started to ask, “What can I learn from their view?”
4. Hustle-culture is dead
Giving and serving are beautiful and an important part of our humanity. It’s important however to check in with yourself and see if there is actually something to give. Can you pour from an empty cup? I can’t. I used to push through exhaustion, convincing myself that rest was indulgent or lazy. But 2024 taught me that rest is sacred. It’s the space where inspiration returns, where my body heals, and where I remember who I am — and what I have to offer.
5. Keep it simple
The best recipes in life often have the fewest ingredients. I used to overthink and overcomplicate—be it my to-do list, my relationships, or my workout plans. But the most fulfilling moments this year were the simplest ones: a walk in the sun, a deep conversation, a perfectly brewed cup of coffee or looking at a bird in a tree. Life doesn’t demand complexity to be beautiful. When I stopped trying to add more, I found peace in what was already there.
6. Stop being your biggest hater
At 35, I’ve finally (!!) realised it’s time to get out of my own way. I’ve been my toughest critic for too long, nitpicking every decision and stifling my voice before it’s had the chance to speak. I am not doing that anymore, and neither should you. This year, we’re doing the thing, creating the stuff, and sharing our heart—even if it’s messy. The only regret worth having is not trying.
7. Perfectionism is overrated
It’s the energy behind what you create that truly matters, not its polish or precision. I’ve spent too many hours chasing perfection only to notice that what connects with people most is authenticity. In 2025, let’s leave perfectionism in the dust and choose to create 100% with heart instead.
8. Care for less (stuff), live more
Owning less gave me more. More freedom, more clarity, and more space to feel what really matters. Letting go of things I didn’t need was like exhaling after holding my breath for too long. Now, I walk lighter on the earth—and it feels like coming home to myself.
9. self-help is a trap
Is. Or can be. There’s always another book to read, another habit to hack, another flaw to fix. But constantly chasing improvement can leave you stuck in a loop of “not enough.” Last year, I’ve come to see that sometimes the most healing thing is to stop fixing and just live. Life doesn’t need to be a project—it’s okay to simply be human.
10. Follow persistent desires
If something keeps pulling at your heart—painting, learning a new skill, taking that trip—it’s worth exploring. Desires don’t persist without reason. Even if it doesn’t turn out as you imagined, you’ll gain clarity. In my case, saying yes to a long-held curiosity about pottery gave me a new skill, like-minded friends — and the knowledge that it’s not something I want to pursue longterm. Win, win and WIN!
11. Create for the sake of creating
Not everything you create has to be productive or make you money. After being a high-end designer focussed on deadlines and rewards for 13 years, I rediscovered the simple joy of making things just because I wanted to—paint, draw on my iPad, or crochet crazy colourful pants. Nobody had to like it. Nobody paid me for it. There was no deadline. The act of creating was its own reward.
12. Judgement is inevitable. So Shine!
No matter what you do in life, someone will have an opinion about it. Wether you actually do it or not, the opinion and judgement already exists within those people. Staying in the shadows therefor, doesn’t protect you from judgment; it only adds your own voice to the chorus of critics. This year, let’s decide to stop dimming our light out of the fear of being seen and judged. If judgment is inevitable, I’d rather shine.
13. “I can’t” is a no-go in 2025
Every time I thought, “I can’t,” this year proved me wrong. Whether it was handling a tough situation or stepping into an unfamiliar role, I’ve learned that my limits are often imagined. What was waiting on the other side of doubt was usually growth—and it was worth it every time.
14. Being lost is the best place to be
I used to think not having a 5 year manifestation plan meant I was failing. Now I see that being lost can be a gift. Without a rigid map, there’s space for Life to step in and surprise you. It’s in the not-knowing that the most extraordinary and unimagined paths can reveal themselves. (So cheers to you if you have no idea where you are going in 2025)
15. Feeling stuck? Keep moving
Even when it feels like you’re stuck, movement—however small—can bring you closer to clarity. A walk or simply stepping outside for a moment can trigger a shift in perspective. Meeting someone, witnessing others, or just looking at a tree can lead to insights that were waiting for you. (read that again: THEY were waiting for YOU) So, feeling lost doesn’t mean you should stay idle; it’s a call to keep moving. Sometimes, the next idea or connection is just around the corner.
16. Hyped “Spirituality” is not going to save you
I’ve come to believe that the deepest healing doesn’t come from the next yoga retreat or an ayahuasca ceremony, but from simply leaning into being human. I am learning to discern when I’m truly growing and when I’m chasing spiritual highs to avoid discomfort. That’s not healing—it’s an addiction in disguise. The answers aren’t always out there—often, they’re right here, in the ordinary.
17. your Circumstances don’t matter
I’ve spent so much time trying to change external situations, but what really made a difference is my inner state. When I’m calm and centered, life feels easier—even when things around me are chaotic and far from perfect. This year, I’m choosing to shift within instead of trying to fix everything around me.
18. Just start
Sometimes, the biggest barrier is getting out of your own head. Waiting for the perfect moment or the ideal conditions to begin something is a trap. Starting, no matter how small the step, is what unlocks everything else. It doesn’t need to be flawless—it just needs to be. Taking that first step is often the catalyst for change and momentum.
19. What you (don’t) say matters
Words are more than just verbal communication—they carry energy. Speaking honestly and with integrity isn’t just about saying the “right” thing; it’s about being true to what’s in your heart. And more often than not, saying less is simply better than saying more.
20. You can, if you will
Willpower isn’t necessarily about the things we want to do—it’s also about the things we resist. Sometimes, the most important steps are the ones that don’t feel good in the moment, the ones we avoid because they bring discomfort or fear. But God often guides us to do what’s necessary, even if it’s hard. The will to move forward isn’t always about desire; it’s about listening to what needs to be done, and trusting that in doing it, we’ll find the strength and growth we need. If we can align our will with the flow of Life, we can face anything.
21. celebrate life
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and the never-ending list of “what to (not) do”. I, for one, tend to be very serious and intense about the things I aspire to. There is a time and place for that, but the moments in between—those simple, joyful moments—are what actually make life worth living. It’s not just about accomplishing things; it’s about taking time to celebrate the journey.
May this writing be a permission slip for you to experience more of those moments. They’re available for all of us—but it’s also up to us. To shift perspective, adjust our state of being, let go, do the thing, rest if we need to, and keep moving.
Sending love,
