2024 – The year of hard truths
I always leave these yearly reflections to the last minute. It's a perfect storm of poor planning and procrastination, but in my defence, there was so much to say that I didn't know where to begin.
However, I can summarise 2024 in two words: hard truths.
Like 2023, this year flew by – blink, and you missed it. Echoing last year being one of the most life-changing and fantastic years I've had, 2024 continued in this trajectory, presenting its challenges and lessons learned. Honestly, it felt like a harsh reality check, but one I greatly needed to walk down the path I actually desired.
Still, each lesson hit me like a freight train, which wasn't fun at the time.
Learning that the dream job doesn't exist...because I was already doing it
Remember that dream job at that dream company I mentioned in the last post? Hell. Absolute hell. Frankly, it was anything but, and even now, it feels like a fever dream.
I won't go into detail about the grievances I was dealt with during my time there, as I've given it enough attention in the past. Plus, they don't deserve my energy or real estate on this post. I'm not entirely faultless in the whole situation either. In hindsight, I definitely could have responded better.
I'll say this, though – all I felt was relief when the ordeal finally ended. I was finally free from the maniacal personalities, high school mean-girl culture and compromission of my personal values.
But do I regret taking on the role? No, for two reasons.
Firstly, it forced me out of my comfort zone. I moved out to Southeast Melbourne to reduce the commute. Living independently for the first time helped me continue my journey of self-love and self-discovery, putting me in positions that allowed me to enjoy my alone time and deeply reflect on well, everything.
What my values are. What I want versus need. My future. And so much more. With my newfound peace, I had space to do the internal work I craved.
Secondly, it taught me one of the biggest lessons this year: the dream job doesn't exist because I'm already doing it with Dewy Content. My dream career is one carved of my own making – an empire that is mine to create, build, mould, break down, pivot and change how I see fit.
Taking on that full-time role consumed my life to the point where I had to push my business and goals aside. Deep down, I hated every minute of doing that. Why was I physically, mentally and emotionally pushing myself for a company that wasn't even mine?
And so, that chapter finished almost as quickly as it started. The universe burned down the things that didn't serve me to make room for the things that truly did. It may have hurt like hell, but I look back on that chaotic period with immense gratitude. It brought me back to form because the end reminded me of who I am, what I stand for and what I won't compromise on.
Freedom. Flexibility. Independence. Honesty. Empathy. Kindness. All of which I now get to practice daily since getting back to running my own business, where I'm lucky to work with amazing clients and projects I actually enjoy doing.
I'm now 30, flirty and thriving – it's all about me
A few months after that, I entered my 30's. Refusing to start this new era in Melbourne, I jetted off to Byron Bay per the recommendation of a close friend (thanks Marty).
For an entire week, I treated myself to food, spas, beaches and epic sunsets. I explored Crystal Castle, did sound healings and surrounded myself with energetic crystals. I reconnected with an old friend who showed me his spacious (read: gigantic) farm and multiple properties.
I did me, which is precisely what I wanted for my birthday.
People are right when they say you're 30s are golden. I feel comfortable in my skin.
I'm more aware of my energy and mental load.
I'm in the best physical shape of my life thus far, finally hitting my target weight of 80kg just before the year ends.
I practice gratitude every evening before bed.
I brought on the expertise of a business coach.
I know who I like working with and who I'll avoid like the plague.
I know which projects I'll be proud of (and thus say yes to) versus projects that'll make me want to bang my head against a wall (and thus say no to).
I'm purposefully intentional in what I say, feel, and do – something that I never really did well in my 20s.
I'm thriving in being incredibly selfish and unapologetically focused on myself.
But I'm not leaving Melbourne…yet
However, it's not all sunshine, rainbows and unicorns during your 30s. The universe gives you some reality checks as well.
For me, it's how fleeting life is and that I'm well into the thick of adulthood now. I see it all around me.
Friends are getting married, having kids, buying houses.
My parents are getting older, and so is my dog, Clark, who turned 14 this month.
As I've stepped into this new era, so has my need to reconnect with my loved ones on a deeper level, cherishing the moments I have with them.
So, I'm staying in Melbourne for a little while longer. One day, I'll be living in Europe – just not yet.
What's next for 2025?
On my vision board, I wrote two words: Connect Community.
For 2025, I'm focused on building deeper connections and creating a community. I'll be exploring new methods of storytelling and continuing to build Dewy Content too. I'm immersing myself in a money mindset and operating from abundance instead of scarcity.
I'll also be travelling to Japan for the first time ever, a place I've always wanted to see!
Simply put, I'm keeping my head down, making silent yet significant moves, solely focused on me and my wellbeing.
2025 will be the year I'm going to have even more fun in getting to know (and love) me.
