I’ve been thinking about the ways we measure time. We often celebrate the milestones, the accomplishments, the glittering highlights that we proudly share with others. But this year, my reflection looks a little different. It’s not about the picture-perfect moments—it’s about the cracks, the detours, and the downright uncomfortable spaces where growth truly happened.

If I’m being honest, this year didn’t always feel like a season of progress. Some days felt heavy, some choices felt impossible, and some moments made me question whether I was even moving in the right direction. Growth doesn’t come gift-wrapped in pretty packaging. It’s messy, unpredictable, and often downright uncomfortable. But here’s the truth: without those moments, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Lessons from the Not-So-Glamorous Moments

The not-so-glamorous moments this year were some of the most defining. I didn’t see it at the time, of course. When you’re in the middle of a challenge, all you feel is the weight of it—the frustration, the self-doubt, the wondering if things will ever get easier.

But as I look back now, I can see the lessons they carried. Those tough conversations taught me how to set boundaries. That failed project pushed me to rethink my approach and lean into creativity. The times I felt like giving up? They reminded me just how resilient I am.

We don’t like to talk about these moments because they don’t make for great Instagram posts. But they’re the moments that shape us. Growth isn’t found in the easy wins; it’s in the hard-fought battles we didn’t even realize we were winning.

The Discomfort of Growth

Let’s be real: growth isn’t comfortable. It asks us to step outside our familiar patterns, to challenge the stories we tell ourselves, and to try things we might fail at. This year, I learned that growth often feels like chaos before it feels like progress.

But here’s the thing: every uncomfortable moment stretched me in ways I didn’t think were possible. It taught me to trust myself more, to lean into uncertainty, and to find strength I didn’t know I had. Growth isn’t about transforming overnight—it’s about the small, deliberate steps we take in the direction of who we want to become, even when the road feels shaky.

Practices for Reflection, Gratitude, and Intention

As I close out this year, I’m taking time to reflect—not just on the wins but on the lessons, the discomfort, and the growth. If you’re doing the same, here are a few practices that have helped me along the way:

1. Name the Hard Things: Write down the challenges you faced this year, and ask yourself what each one taught you. Sometimes the lesson is patience. Sometimes it’s resilience. And sometimes it’s simply learning to let go.

2. Find Gratitude in the Unlikely Places: Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring the hard stuff. It means acknowledging what those hard moments gave you. Maybe it’s a stronger sense of self, a renewed focus, or even the clarity to know what you don’t want moving forward.

3. Set Intentions, Not Perfections: As you look ahead, focus on intentions instead of resolutions. Intentions are about aligning with what feels meaningful and allowing space for flexibility and grace. Ask yourself: How do I want to feel in the year ahead? What values do I want to lean into?

4. Honor Your Progress: Even if your progress feels small or slow, it’s still progress. Take a moment to celebrate the ways you showed up this year—especially on the days when it felt hardest.

5. Embrace the Mess: Growth isn’t linear, and that’s okay. This year taught me that it’s okay for things to feel unfinished or imperfect. The messy middle is part of the journey.

As I look back on this year, I’m reminded of one simple truth: progress isn’t always shiny, but it’s always worth it. Every moment of discomfort, every step outside my comfort zone, every “failure” that forced me to pivot—it all brought me closer to the person I’m becoming.

So, as we step into the new year, let’s carry these lessons with us. Let’s celebrate not just the wins but the strength it took to show up, even when things were hard. Let’s remember that growth isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence, resilience, and the willingness to keep going.

And let’s do it with grace. Give yourself permission to move at your own pace, to rest when you need to, and to dream boldly about what’s next. You’ve already made it through so much—trust that you have everything you need to keep moving forward.

This year wasn’t perfect, but it was mine. Yours wasn’t perfect, but it was yours. And that’s more than enough.