If there’s one lesson 2024 taught me—painfully, but powerfully—it’s the importance of forcing myself to look for the positives, even when life feels like an endless uphill climb.
It’s not easy, and I’ll be honest—there were moments this year when the weight of challenges and uncertainties felt overwhelming. But in those moments, I realized that focusing only on the things I needed to fix, drained me even more.
👉 A hard lesson that led to a hard choice
The lesson: it’s far too easy to stay in a negative headspace. When everything feels like it's too much - wars, inequality, personal struggles - it’s almost comforting to sink into that negativity. It takes less effort to dwell on what’s wrong than to actively look for what’s right.
The choice: I had to choose my mindset. We often fail to realize that we are in control of our worldview. We shape our own perspective.
We are constantly bombarded with information that only serves the purpose of putting us into survival (fight or flight) mode. Why? Because, in that mental state, we are most likely to make rash decisions that do not benefit our wellbeing long-term (the world is ending, why not buy that super expensive car you can't afford anyway?!)
The fix: I actively begun to appreciate the the small, everyday moments I’d taken for granted - my health, a safe home, the unwavering support of my loved ones, and even my own strengths and talents. In addition, I started hunting down positive news that usually get overlooked.
How many of these events were you aware of that happened in 2024?
Historic Achievement in Sports: Cindy Ngamba made history by becoming the first Refugee Olympic Team medalist, showcasing the resilience and talent of displaced individuals worldwide.
Advancements in Medical Technology: Innovations in microscopic robots have opened new frontiers in cancer treatment, with microrobots now capable of navigating human arteries to target cancer cells directly.
Environmental Conservation Success: Significant strides have been made in wildlife conservation, with species such as voles, pine martens, and beavers experiencing a resurgence, indicating positive trends in biodiversity.
Innovations in Education for Displaced Children: AI-driven chatbots, like Aprendia, have been introduced to provide educational opportunities to millions of children unable to access traditional schooling due to conflict and crises.
This year, I challenge you to join me in making that choice: to focus on what we do have, to celebrate the small wins, and to hold space for hope, even when the world feels heavy. Gratitude is a muscle—it gets stronger the more you use it.
Wishing you a holiday season filled with peace, gratitude, and the strength to keep choosing the positive. 🤍
