2024: A Year of Loss and Survival
The first photo feels like a snapshot of my 2024—a journey from darkness into light.
2024 has been, without a doubt, the hardest year of my life. It started on a rough note—I caught COVID in the first week of January, setting the tone for what felt like a year of loss and recovery. A year that reshaped me in ways I’m still figuring out:
I lost my mum, and with her, a piece of my heart that I’ll never get back.
I lost more than 5% of my skin, facing pain and challenges I never imagined I’d endure.
I made the difficult decision to leave my job. It wasn’t easy, but I knew I needed to step back and focus on what truly mattered. I’m so grateful to my team and the company for being so supportive through it all, especially when I had to be in and out to care for my family.
The past five years have been a whirlwind of loss. First, my grandma, then three uncles on my dad’s side, and now Mum.
Mum’s 18-month journey with cancer was both inspiring and devastating. She fought so bravely, with a resilience that amazed me, but the journey was anything but easy. The endless doctor appointments, managing her emotions and disappointments, balancing her hopes with harsh realities—it all took a toll. I was completely exhausted, physically and emotionally. Most days, it felt like I was pouring from an empty cup. But I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat because she deserved every bit of that love and more.
Losing Mum has been the hardest blow of all. She was the heart of our family, the anchor in all our lives. There are moments when I still can’t believe she’s gone, and the ache of missing her feels all-consuming. But her love, her laughter, her warmth—they’re still with me. She shows up in the little things, in memories that feel like hugs, and in the strength she passed on to me.
Grief is still a process, and I know now it’s lifelong. I’m learning to embrace it, to let it sit beside the joy and beauty that are still out there. Missing Mum will always be part of my life, but I’m also reminded of the importance of cherishing the people who are still here—those who’ve stood by me, loved me, and helped me find my footing again.
During all this, I was also pouring myself into supporting my nieces through their own challenges and transformations. Watching them grow has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life, but it’s also been emotionally draining—especially while navigating my own grief. Yet, through it all, I’ve learned to allow myself to feel. I’ve let the emotions come, sat with them, and slowly begun to heal in ways I didn’t realize I needed.
A few days ago, I stumbled across a photo online that stopped me in my tracks. It felt like a message from Mum—a reminder to keep going, to live fully, and to take care of myself. Her voice is still with me, always encouraging me to be kind to myself, just as she was.
In August, I made a choice to put myself first—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It wasn’t easy, but it marked the beginning of my healing:
I got back into regular workouts and rediscovered my strength.
I wrapped up cognitive therapy, explored Chinese medicine, and tried Sound Healing to nurture my mind, body, and heart.
I reconnected with old friends, meeting in new places and deepening those relationships.
I traveled to new places, met incredible people, and found joy in fresh experiences (including my first campervan adventure!).
I hiked, spent time in nature, and let its beauty remind me of life’s simple joys.
I shared special moments with my dad, creating memories I’ll hold close forever.
2024 taught me that even in the darkest moments, there’s always light ahead—you just have to keep moving.
This year took so much from me, but it also gave me the space to truly feel, to heal, and to rediscover who I am. To my friends around the world who’ve shown me love and support this year—thank you. Your kindness has been my anchor, and I’ll carry it with me always.
I’m also deeply grateful to my family, who have been my rock, and to the universe, for the little signs and reminders to keep going.
Here’s to moving forward—always toward the light.
Thank you for reading this long post (with the help of AI 😊).
