Not a Year in Review: What Iām Letting Go of in 2024
Reflecting on the lessons learned and the weight left behind as I step into 2025
As the year winds down, Iāve been reflecting on everything this year has brought - and more importantly, what itās taken away. But instead of listing accomplishments or milestones, I want to focus on what Iāve learned to release.
Because this year hasnāt been about adding things to my life. Itās been about subtraction.
Letting Go of Perfection
I used to think that perfection was the goal. That if I could just get everything āright,ā life would feel easier, less heavy. But chasing perfection felt like running on a treadmill - so much effort, yet going nowhere.
This year, I let go of the idea that I need to have it all together. Some days, I donāt even have most of it together. And you know what? The world didnāt end. My kids still smiled. The sun still came up. Letting go of perfection has been messy, but itās also been freeing.
Letting Go of Overthinking
If overthinking were an Olympic sport, Iād be a gold medalist. I could spiral for hours, replaying conversations, predicting outcomes, and worrying about problems that didnāt even exist yet.
But this year, I started asking myself: Is this useful? Most of the time, the answer was no. So, Iāve been learning to let go of the need to overanalyse every detail. Itās still a work in progress, but Iām finding peace in not having all the answers.
Letting Go of the Need to Fix Everything
As a single mother, Iāve spent years feeling like itās my job to fix everything. Every problem, every conflict, every tear. But this year, I realised something important: not everything needs fixing.
Sometimes, people just need someone to listen. Sometimes, the best thing I can do is step back and let things unfold. Letting go of the need to be everyoneās savior has been hard, but itās teaching me how to set healthier boundaries.
Letting Go of Guilt
Guilt has been a constant companion for as long as I can remember. Guilt for not being enough, for not doing enough, for not meeting the impossible standards I set for myself.
This year, Iāve started to let go of that guilt. I remind myself daily that Iām doing my best - and that my best is enough. Letting go of guilt has been one of the hardest things Iāve done, but itās also one of the most healing.
Whatās Next?
As I step into 2025, Iām not making resolutions or setting grand goals. Instead, Iām focusing on what I want to keep letting go of. Because sometimes, growth isnāt about adding more to your life - itās about making space for what really matters.
I donāt know what this next year will bring, but I know one thing: Iām going into it lighter, freer, and more grounded than Iāve ever been. And for me, thatās enough.
What are you letting go of as we step into a new year?
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"I donāt know what this next year will bring, but I know one thing: Iām going into it lighter, freer, and more grounded than Iāve ever been. And for me, thatās enough." I love this so much! well done!
I'm letting go of the need to be self-sufficient. I am not meant to be an island. I am meant to have relationships and community.