Thank you to the world at large for the opportunity to learn so much in 2024. This year, I completed a Jungian coaching course, advanced and intermediate grammar courses, an integrative health course, and an acupressure course. I also took part in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminars by providers recognized by the Philippine Regulation Commission to earn CPD points for my next license renewal. Through all of this, I’ve realized how valuable my license as a psychologist is. It gives me not only a livelihood but also a deep sense of purpose.
Cal Newport said—and I paraphrase—don’t follow your passion for a career; instead, choose a job or a vocation, get really good at it, and then be passionate about it. Yesterday, I came to a small but meaningful realization: I might just be an effective psychologist. Maybe I’m falling in love with this profession all over again. During a recent therapy session, my client asked me about my dream of becoming a psychologist. I had a passion for it in my 20s, chased it with a fury, but by my late 30s, I fell out of love with it to the point of almost letting it go. Thank you to the world at large for allowing me to walk this road again now that I’m in proper middle age. I’m slowly, but hesitantly beginning to believe I can be a healer. And as I help others heal, I heal too. Yesterday, I got an appreciation letter from a client saying therapy with me changed his life. I’m still glowing with delight.
Thank you to the world at large for teaching me how to use technology in a way that serves me, not the other way around. This year, I acknowledged my unique needs, even when they weren’t popular or mainstream. By streamlining my tech life, I embraced parts of myself I once rejected as “not good enough” or “unacceptable.” Now, I carry a basic phone, occasionally use a smartphone, and rely on a low-key step tracker. I still cherish analog tools, and I’m proud of this choice. Digital minimalism suits me—it calms my frayed nerves and aligns with who I am.
And lastly, thank you to my family—my husband, teenage son, and tweener daughter. They are my strong foundation, my guiding stars. I love them to the moon and back. Without them, I might not have risen from the ashes of anorexia nervosa. If I followed the dark stars, I would fallen into the abyss of food hoarding and materialism. Through their eyes, I see myself as worthy and lovable. For that, I’m grateful, grateful, grateful.
As 2024 draws to a close, I want to wish everyone happy holidays. Whatever meaningful celebration it is for you, happy holidays! Thank you for being in my life, and I love you.
The featured image on this blog was AI-generated by me using free tools, namely ChatGPT, Canva, and Leonardo AI. I use these images to support my written content creatively and cost-effectively.
