Unfolding
The Lessons of a Year Spent in Reflection.
“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” - George Eliot
This year has been a wild ride. I’ve spent most of my time alone, and the first few months were tough on my health and mental well-being. That’s when I decided to start writing. I used to journal on my Notes app, but one day, I came across an article on Substack that inspired me. I left a comment, and when many acknowledged it, I felt something shift. It wasn’t about seeking validation, but rather realizing that my words could have an impact—that by sharing my honest self and life experiences, I could make a difference. Since then, I’ve continued writing, and I stand by it. I haven't been consistent throughout but I'm proud of myself for starting something that makes me mindful and reflect on my journey.
Here are a few key lessons from this year that I’m grateful for:
Take a break when you need it. It's okay to step back and figure things out, one step at a time. Not everything is within our control, but with patience and consistency, you can keep showing up for your goals and the things that matter.
Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is show up, even when the way forward isn’t clear.Be honest with the people who truly care about you. Let them in on your struggles, trust them with your imperfections, and don’t be afraid to ask for help without overthinking it.
Let go of the parts of your old self that no longer serve you. Don’t hold onto things or people simply to preserve who you used to be. Growth often means letting go.
Be brave enough to start over. Whether it’s a new project or a new chapter, sometimes you have to take that leap. You might just find your way.
Believe in yourself. It’s not enough to dream—believe in what you’re capable of and start working towards it.
Embrace the small wins. Progress doesn’t have to be monumental. Celebrate the victories along the way, because they build up to something much bigger.
Forgive yourself. Sometimes the hardest person to forgive can be yourself. Let go of your past so that you can move forward.
Above all, I encourage you to trust in yourself. Prioritize your well-being, stay mindful, and embrace your choices. You’ve got this.
Have a great year ahead.
Happy New Year!
What key takeaways did you have from this year?
Do let me know in the comments below.
That shift from journaling in Notes to sharing on Substack captures something beautiful about how we discover our voice — sometimes we need strangers to reflect back our own power before we can see it. Your lesson about showing up even when the path isn't clear resonates deeply; there's something quietly revolutionary about choosing presence over certainty. What surprised you most about the difference between writing for yourself versus writing for others?
It was an amazing year..so much worth being grateful for . Thanks for sharing, Sakshi