2024: First Annual Review
I told myself I wouldn’t end 2024 without posting again, so here I am. Considering I haven’t posted since May, I have no excuse. I just let the space between ideation and actually writing my thoughts last longer than it should have. I’ve also been conflicted about the amount of personal information I’d like to divulge in my posts without it affecting the overall message and the lessons I learn—and have learned—living with sickle cell. I guess it’s a two-part solution that will come over time: improving how I write these posts and developing the discernment to know when radical vulnerability is needed to make a point.
This year has been a mixed bag, with many ups and downs. The lows have been extremely low, while moments meant to be high have only felt decent or given me a slight wave of relief more than anything. Many plans have not gone as intended or have been completely obliterated for various reasons. At the end of the day, though, I can look back and say personal action—or inaction—has been a factor. Outcomes, whether good or bad, are what they are.
I am grateful for so much that has happened, especially the people in my life. Without them, going through many of the things I’ve faced would have been a lot harder. I turned 27 back in June, which is huge, to be honest. Hospitalizations are a constant reminder of one’s mortality, and quite frankly, if you had asked 16-year-old me, he would have told you he didn’t think he’d make it to 21. A morbid truth that makes reaching the place I am in now all the more reason to be grateful and live a lot more intentionally before actually kicking the bucket.
I went back to school after being away for a while, which has been a challenging yet welcomed task in moving to the “next stage” of my life. It meant moving countries again, which has brought its own requirements to adapt, but I’ve stayed as positive as possible through it all. My physical health has been great! I’ve only had one hospitalization this year, which was back in April, and I’ve been the most consistent I’ve ever been with working out at the gym. I find that to be the biggest factor in reducing my chances of a sickle cell crisis, so I’m super grateful for that.
It’s the mental side that needs continued, focused, intentional work, and that will be one of my priorities for 2025. I’m not sure how the year will turn out, but my overall approach is to read and write more while maintaining all the good habits I introduced in 2024. I wish all who read this a great end to the year and nothing but the best for the year ahead.
New written work will be coming in the new year, as I intend to fight the fear that comes with doing something new consistently and bring you—and myself—as much value as possible. Feel free to share what you’re grateful for as this year ends or things you’re looking forward to in the new year.