- Parenting is a process of letting go. Sofia entered mid school and became almost 100% independent. I don’t need to remind her things; she’s fully on top of them. I am impressed and felt odd at first that I was jobless in one aspect of parenting.
- The joy of reading fiction. I have read good fictions, but it was 2024 that I enjoyed fiction in general. They transport me to places/stories that I wouldn’t imagine otherwise. I like thinking about the characters as if I knew them.
- Sharing the job search process with the family was the right decision. I wasn’t sure I want to stress the girls with ups and downs, but it all worked out and the whole family savors the outcome. If they didn’t know how much I was preparing for it, wanting it, anxious about it, they wouldn’t appreciate the outcome nor realize how much effort I put to build our life.
- Sharing struggle with work friends brings us closer. I am grateful to have many work friends that I could share my frustrations and getting their support.
- Spending time with my mom f2f alone brought us closer. My two solo trips to Shanghai allowed me to spend time with my mom without the girls. Living together, even for few days, made me feel I am the child, someone loves me unconditionally in that particular way.
- Blogger friends are part of my support group. I haven’t met most of you, but feel like you’ve been through my life together, closer than some other real-life friends. I am so grateful. I hope to meet you in person one day.
- My body responds to stress and relaxation equally effectively. I knew I was in high stress during the job-hunting process, but as soon as I went on vacation, all my stats were optimal almost immediately. Knowing that it’s normal to feel stress out and that it’s temporary is reassuring and comforting.
- I got to appreciate small things: morning breeze, funny faces of my kids, longer than usual hugs, a morning kiss, a gentle patting on my back when I’m down, smell of a good coffee.
- I demand quality for daily use and wear more than before. I would rather have a good Capuchino at my favorite coffee shop than not have any. I want the softest eye mask even it is ridiculously expensive. I love my running outfits as they are functional, comfortable, and good looking.
- I loved my new hair color and style. I learned to change appearance to trigger a change in mood and spirit.
- Good outcomes require hard work and luck, equally.
- Stand my grounds even when I know it will lead to unpleasantness with my loved ones.
- Let it go the emotions of the moment, knowing that the feeling will subside in hours or days. Control the impulse to prevent unnecessary damage.
- Vegan diet is the best diet for me, both for optimal lipid profile and glucose, and my running performance. Yet, I could change my view about it again.
- It’s okay to dream, nothing is impossible if we don’t give it a try.
- I don’t like to feel out of control, as when we were going through hairpins turns in New Zealand.
- Embrace the unknown, to be at peace once I’ve tried my best.
- Be bold, “aggressive”, proactive, is needed at workplace and under rated.
- It is possible to be more in love with my husband the longer we are together.
- Lizzy can always surprise me with more funny gestures, things said, and creations. She is so reliable to make me laugh.
- My girls need more friends than I did at their age, and I need to respect and support them to keep their friendship.
- Phone calls with good friends are so invigorating, with my BFF, with K, in particular. They don’t replace in person meetings, but great substitute until we re-meet.
- People are in general genuinely nice. I’ve always thought so but this year my belief got more confirmation.
- It is possible to be content with life, not wanting anything to be different including the stressful and uncomfortable parts.
24 things I learned in 2024
Published
Our New Journey 
Awww, love all of these!! 🥰 You definitely seem like you’re reaping the benefits of the past years of self-discovery and exploration. Maybe that’s why lots of people say they love their 40s! Finally sort of figuring everything out.
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I love your point about ‘people being in general genuinely nice.’
I’ve always felt the same way, though I know many who disagree with me on this. It’s refreshing to see someone else share that belief! It reminds me to look for those moments of kindness that are so easy to miss. Thank you for sharing that, it truly resonates with me!
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these are very sweet and positive! AND, I don’t think I would have enjoyed the hairpin turns either !
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Coco! All of these are so wonderful! I found myself nodding as I read this – yes, yes, yes! Parenting is so much letting go and trusting them to make good decisions, and then standing back when they don’t make good decisions so they can figure out how to fix things. Wooooof it is hard. I love quality items too, even when they are expensive, and also reading fiction. And everything else on your list! People are generally kind and it is possible to become more in love with your spouse – it’s in a different kind of way!
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Aw, #19! I would say you had an amazing year, with lots of good lessons learned. Parenting will definitely teach you a lot, right?
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You really learned a lot this year! I know it was stressful when you were going through the job application process, but I am so glad it ended with a very happy result of moving to a dream location for you and your family. I’m in such a different stage of parenting with very little independence from the kids, But I know it’s coming for me!!
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