Celebrating Wins and Growth: looking back on my 2024

This year, I decided to make a big shift in how I view myself. I set out to look at myself through a more positive lens, focusing on my strengths and the progress I’ve made—rather than getting caught up in what’s still weighing on my shoulders. Reflecting on the goals I’ve hit this year has been such a powerful way to stay motivated as I move into 2025. Sure, life in Dubai has thrown me plenty of things my way, but I’ve tackled challenges head-on, learned some valuable lessons, and grown in ways I never expected. So, as I look back on the year, I can’t help but feel proud of what I’ve accomplished.

Paying my bills (And Without Crying)

Let’s talk about my debt. It’s not the kind of debt that haunts your dreams and makes you sweat every time your bank balance hits “low.” But its enough to give me some kind of stress. Well, since August, I’ve managed to pay off three debts. Three! Now that's a big deal. It not been easy, but I stuck to a stricter budget—mostly by cutting out my daily coffee runs (don’t worry, I survived and didn't cut back every single day )—and by avoiding impulse buys like that glittery water bottle I absolutely did not need. Honestly, the feeling of checking off each debt from my list was more and more satisfying and Is not like a competition with myself for when I can pay off the next one.

Making New Friends (its feels very difficult when you're older)

Living in Dubai as a solo expat can feel pretty isolating sometimes. The city is full of people, but it’s still possible to feel like you’re living in your own little bubble. But, this year, I made it a point to expand my circle. I actually found a good group of people to hang out with—not just my beloved my food delivery drivers who see me more than most people. I joined facebook groups, which, let me tell you, was a game-changer and meeting these girls saved me this year truly and made me get out of my shell.

Decorating My Apartment (So I Don’t Feel Like I’m Living in Squaller)

You know that feeling when you walk into your apartment and think, “This place looks like I just moved in, and also like I’m probably going go nuts in my empty space”? This year I moved in alone, a dark and dingy space but I needed it at the time and made a jump. Since being here in February, I hadn't done much but the last two months I decorated. Like, actually decorated and made my space a sanctuary where I want to be. Sometimes too much, but Behind my door I feel more at home.

Starting This Blog (Honestly, not something id have ever thought about before)

If you had told me at the beginning of the year that I would've actually started a blog, I would have laughed in your face (and probably spilled my coffee). But I have! A few weeks back, I was laid on the beach- eyes closed and burning my pasty self in the Dessert Sun. When I had a thought of writing about my struggles, both financial and being here alone and within 1 week had the website up and running and a full notebook full of ideas. This blog has been my creative outlet, a sort of therapy, a way to keep me accountable and my new obsession. I can’t say I’ve completely got it going good just yet all but it’s something and I've started it.

Crushing Things at Work (Not Just My Will to Live)

Work-wise, this year has been nothing short of slightly difficult, but in a sometimes may be good, sometimes may be shit kind of way. Not everyday is going to be a major win, but I’ve been working as hard as I can right now, seeing the progress and most of all trusting the process. You just have to show up everyday, It’s like leveling up in a game, except the reward isn’t a skin change, it’s a higher commissions each week and a securer future for yourself. Final thoughts when thinking about Celebrating my wins and growth looking back at 2024

So, what have I learned this year? Well, adulting is hard, but somehow, I’m managing to do it with a little grace (and a lot of coffee runs). Living alone in a foreign country has definitely tested me, but it’s also shown me that I’m capable of way more than I thought. 2024 has been the year of starting—and I’m ready to carry on and show up for myself in 2025. Looking back at 2024 If I can survive Dubai’s heat, my financial issues, and the ever-present work demand, I think 2025 will be a successful one too, so lets celebrate the wins and growth in 2024