Reflections and lessons I learned in 2024

The importance of documenting your 20s and romanticizing your life, embracing change, how to thrive in your 20s, working towards your dream goals, and more.

Hello lovely reader, welcome to Mimy’s journal!

This year has been full of ups and downs, good things and bad things, happy moments and sad moments. Since January started, I’ve been overthinking a lot. Sometimes, I feel like this year isn’t my favorite, but then I remember the good things, and I realize it was also filled with great moments. It’s been a mix of everything.

January started with so much focus on my master research. I was so busy I barely had time to do Pilates or meet my besties. It was chaotic, and many days were spent overthinking. But then came April, and I loved that month so much. Maybe because I had a little crush on someone back then haha! But honestly, I was so happy, motivated, and focused on my studies. April was definitely my favorite month of the year.

Reflecting on February, though, I have mixed feelings. In 2023, it was a happy month because it was my birthday, and I remember the delicious raspberry cheesecake tart I ate, the gifts I received, and the things I bought for myself. I was so happy back then! That’s probably where my love for raspberry started lol. But this year in February, I was crying on my birthday. The reason? It’s hard to explain, and maybe you wouldn’t understand. Last year, I got braces, and they made me feel so unconfident I couldn’t accept it. I missed my chubby cheeks, my old self the 19-year-old girl who was happy and carefree. I missed the gap in my teeth that I always thought made me special. This year, I spent so much time thinking about my past self and crying over her. She’s gone now.

But of course, there were good parts to 2024 too. I want to talk about the lessons I’ve learned.

This year, I lost friends and felt lonely on some days. I also struggled with terrible anxiety over the summer. But then the good things happened. I graduated and was even elected first in my master thesis, which is such a huge accomplishment! I never thought I could do it. That month was so stressful I’m always stressed during presentations but strangely, on that day, I felt so confident. I wasn’t worried about what others might think of me; I just did my best. Many professors were proud of my work and how clever I was. That moment gave me so much confidence.

Another highlight of this year was that I finally embraced change. By September, I decided to stop fighting it and accept that change is okay. As long as you’re healthy, breathing, and alive, there’s nothing wrong with changing. I say this because I still remember a day when I was in the car, struggling to breathe because my anxiety triggered my asthma. It was a wake-up call. I realized that I hadn’t been grateful for the small things like fresh air, peace.Maybe God was showing me to stop worrying about the silly things and focus on what really matters.

From September to December, my life slowly started getting better. What helped me most was going to the park and walking. Yes, walking. The park somehow always makes me feel so calm and happy. Slowly, my cortisol levels dropped. I even met a woman there who shared amazing tips about anxiety (check the post here!)

I also started going out more with my besties, which brought me so much joy. I realized that sometimes, all you need is fresh air, friends, and a little movement. Staying home for too long probably made my anxiety worse, but as soon as I started going out and enjoying the present moment, everything changed.

I stopped overthinking the future or worrying about the past. Instead, I learned to enjoy the moment—the here and now. The future is unknown, and we’ll never know what it holds. So, the best thing we can do is live fully in the present

Lessons I learned :

Embrace change.

I’m so glad I did this year because I felt so, so relieved when I finally allowed myself to embrace it. Change can be extremely hard it’s scary and uncomfortable at first. But when you shift your mindset and consider that change can also be positive, you’ll often find yourself in places you never imagined.

One of the reasons I embraced change was because of something a member of my family shared with me. It’s a piece of advice I’ve held onto ever since. This family member is 60 years old, and I never thought what they shared would impact me so deeply. But here’s the wild part: I later stumbled across the exact same quote on Pinterest. I was so shocked!

When he first said it, it hit me so hard. I woke up the next day and decided to take control of my thoughts especially the negative self-talk that had been consuming my mind. I realized something powerful: I create my own reality. My thoughts shape my world, and with effort, I can turn the negative ones into positive ones. At first, it wasn’t easy. I struggled to distinguish between what was real and what wasn’t because my mind was so full of swirling thoughts good and bad. It was overwhelming. But once I truly understood this concept and started practicing it, my life began to change.

I learned that you can reshape your reality simply by transforming your thoughts. You have the power to turn bad thoughts into good ones. The moment you realize this and put it into action, you’ll notice how much better you feel. Your cortisol levels will drop, your anxiety will ease, and trust me you’ll start to feel happier, lighter, and even glowing. It’s crazy how much your mindset affects your physical and emotional well-being. I’ve felt it myself, and let me tell you the glow that comes after embracing change? It’s insane

13 going on 30 movie

Gratitude is everything.
Being grateful for the little, little things is so important. I realized that the more I practice gratitude, the more I receive. I’m not even joking it’s real. Last time, I felt so grateful for my 15 subscribers on my YouTube. Just 10 days later, those 15 turned into 100 subscribers, and my videos hit 1k views! It might seem small to others, but to me, it’s huge. I never thought it could happen, and I’m so, so happy. Make gratitude a habit, and watch your life transform for the better.

Romanticize everything.
Get the little sweet treat you love, go on solo dates, meet your besties, go to the park, walk in the city be happy. Once you start romanticizing your life, everything becomes exciting and fun.

Manifesting using Pinterest works a lot.
I’ve used this method for years, and I can say it works for me. Pinterest works a lot, and it worked for all my besties, too. For example, many times, I pinned a specific picture and found that I had the specific thing days after. It was insane. Pinterest is for visualizing my dream goals.

Don’t ever underestimate your capacities and what you’re capable of.
You are unique in your own way.You are the inspo to someone. You radiate good energy to others. Some people want to be like you, and you’re just there sad. Bestie, you’re amazing with all your flaws, unique features, creativity, sense of style, and taste. Trust me when I say this because every time I feel sad, I meet a stranger, we talk, and they say amazing things about me. I become sooo happy, and I’m like, Really? Why do you talk negatively about yourself when people compliment your work and say you’re one of a kind? Because you are. Trust what people say, especially strangers they say real things.

Talk to strangers.
Yes, bestie, just do it. I’m an extrovert, and I love talking to strangers. It fuels me, and I become so happy. But I still love having a small circle of friends. I only have my 3 real friends that I really like and enjoy hanging out with. I’m like this. So yes, talk to strangers. Who would have thought that talking to a stranger might help my anxiety and soothe me in a way I never imagined?

It is helpful sometimes. Also, something about me is that I always meet people who are like me or are interested in the same things as I am. I believe it’s a coincidence, but it happens all the time, so I’m happy about it.

Go after your dream goals.
Study, work you are in your 20s. It’s time to start. It’s never too late because imagine this: you reach your 30s and realize you didn’t go after your goals. You end up with nothing no work, no degree, no money. So, it’s really time to start now. I’ll give you a simple example. Imagine you start making good art , painting, for instance. If you keep at it, by the time you’re 30, I guarantee you’ll have freedom and enough money to live. Also, always do what you enjoy. Don’t try to copy this or that. Do what makes you feel truly happy and amazing it’s what makes you you. Always focus on being unique and authentic rather than blending into the crowd. Bestie, that’s where your real power lies.

Watch many movies and finish your Letterboxd watchlist.

Well, I hope I could do it this year, but unfortunately, I couldn’t. Still, I watched some amazing movies that made me so happy. I discovered new series, documentaries, and realized that watching a movie or rewatching an old romcom makes me feel the happiest. I mean it. Especially when I throw my phone away and focus only on the movie.

There’s just something about good movies especially when the male character is gorgeous (lol). I have this weird thing where I enjoy movies more when that’s the case. But honestly, good movies are my favorites because you always end up learning something from them. It could be life advice, relationship advice anything that leaves you thinking and growing. That’s why I love movies so much.

I will definitely watch more movies next year and hope to finally finish my long, long, long Letterboxd watchlist. Share some of your favorite movies of the year with me I’d love to see what you enjoyed and maybe add a few to my list. ❣️

Write in your journal, in your newsletter, create a book, an eBook just be creative.

I love creativity so much, and I encourage you to open a new newsletter because it’s so important and will help you in ways you never thought possible. First, you’ll create a loving community people who eagerly wait for your posts each month, each week, or whenever you decide to share. They adore everything you post, and they’ll even send DMs when they want to learn something or hear more from you. So just do it. It’s incredibly helpful for you, and you’ll come to love it. Right now, I’m thinking about building a community on YouTube. I want to experiment with something different, and creating a community is honestly so amazing. We’re already almost 1.3K insane! I love you all sooo much.

Here’s the thing: on your newsletter, you can talk about anything and everything. It’s yours. You post when you have something in mind, and people will relate to you a lot. Nobody subscribes to a newsletter just like that. They’ve seen your posts, maybe some of your older ones, and they’ve found something inspiring in your style of writing, your recommendations, your personal essays whatever it is. But they chose you. That means you are special and unique. Think of it that way. The other day, I was scrolling on TikTok while trying to grow my YouTube channel. I only had 10 subscribers back then, and this woman said something that really stuck with me. She said: Imagine 50 people in your YouTube channel it’s like a whole classroom of people. Imagine 100 people; it’s a bigger space to fit all those people. And 200? That’s an even larger room filled with people who care about what you’re sharing.

It made me pause and really think. Even now, with nearly 100 subscribers, I realize that’s still a big room full of people, and I love it this way. I’m so happy about this growth. Growth comes with consistency, so I have to be consistent.

( Subsribe to my channel here )

And bestie you should do the same. Build, write, create. Be consistent and trust the process.

Eat, eat, eat healthy food. Focus on nourishing your body with whole, real foods. Make your wellness routine a priority. Take multivitamins, stay consistent, and focus on your health. You’re still young, so don’t let yourself slip into bad habits. Don’t let yourself become overweight. It’s never too late to start working out and taking care of your body. Consider seeing a nutritionist if you need guidance there’s no shame in seeking help. Your body is a reflection of how you treat it. When you care for it, it will show. You’ll glow both inside and out when you make health a priority. So, take care of yourself. You’re capable of achieving your best self.

Less is more that’s my beauty secret.

Focusing on simplicity, whether it’s your skincare routine, style, or mindset, helps create a more natural and effortless look. Overcomplicating things can overwhelm, but sticking to what works for you makes all the difference. Minimal effort, maximum impact. Trust me, it’s the key to feeling and looking your best.

Set boundaries

Never accept people who don’t align with your core values. Your energy is precious, and surrounding yourself with the right people is essential. Choose your friends wisely those who uplift you, support you, and share your values. Quality over quantity always. Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you.

Go to the dentist

Oral health is so important. If your teeth are crooked, consider getting braces saving for them is worth it. But never, ever opt for extractions of premolars. Trust me, I wish someone had told me that earlier.

I’m not saying get veneers personally, I’m against them because I prefer natural, healthy-looking teeth. If you want to brighten your smile, use Crest Whitestrips, but keep your teeth as real as possible. There’s nothing better than a healthy, natural smile.

"If he wanted to, he would."

This line always reminds me of one of my favorite movies, He's Not That Into You, where the guy tells the woman, "If a guy didn’t call, it means he doesn’t want to call." And it’s so true. If someone truly wanted to reach out or reconnect, they would have done it long ago whether it’s years or just months ago. There’s no need to wait around. The truth is clear. Once, I believed my first love was real. But looking back, I was too young only 16 to truly understand what love meant. It was just a high school crush. I spent my teen years and early 20s longing for something that wasn’t there, and I regret giving so much of my energy to it. But that heartbreak shaped who I am now stronger, more confident, and with clear boundaries. I no longer settle for just anyone who says, "I like you." I know who I am and what I want.

Heartbreak isn’t the end; it became my superpower. It taught me resilience, self-worth, and the importance of knowing when to walk away.

Don’t fall in love too early in your twenties

I wish I had known that earlier. Maybe I never really experienced what real love feels like. Perhaps it was just a crush, something fleeting and intense, but not grounded in true connection. Falling in love at that age, when you’re still figuring out who you are, can be overwhelming and confusing, especially when your heart gets broken for the first time. Looking back, I’d say focus on loving your life instead. Build strong friendships, nurture creativity, and dedicate yourself to creating something meaningful for the world. Love isn’t something that needs to be chased or forced. When you focus on yourself, on your growth and well-being, love will find you when you’re ready and when you’re in a space to receive it , Let the focus be on you first, and eventually, the right person will come along.

Document your life this is your sign! Whether it’s starting a YouTube channel, a newsletter, or simply sharing bits of your life on Instagram, capturing the moments that matter to you will bring so much joy in the future. I just started vlogging on YouTube, and I’m completely obsessed. Taking photos, documenting thoughts, and sharing everything that sparks joy has become my favorite thing to do. Your twenties are precious, and those years fly by faster than you think. One day, you’ll be 30, looking back at these moments, and you’ll be so proud of the days you spent and every second you’ve documented.

If you’re feeling sad, don’t hold it in just cry. Yes, cry! A good cry can clear your mind and leave you feeling so much lighter. Make yourself something comforting afterward—like grilled cheese or bagels. My favorite is butter with bread, maybe with a little jam. Simple, but it always makes me feel better. Schedule a solo date, watch your favorite movies, or re-watch old rom-coms. Let yourself feel the emotions don’t suppress them. Talk to your closest friends, your real besties, about how you’re feeling. Something that always helps me when I’m sad is long walks and reflection. Sometimes, I’ll grab a sweet treat from my favorite bakery, or buy that lip product I’ve been eyeing (oops!).

And always, always, keep writing in your journal. Even when you’re crying, just do it. Trust me, you’ll feel better.

The more you grow in your twenties, the more you become beautiful, sexy, and confident—so don’t be afraid of embracing change. Growth is natural, and growing up is so cool!

Don’t buy dupes. Just don’t. Invest in quality, and you’ll thank yourself later.

Have a minimalist makeup collection only the essentials you truly need. Trust me, it’s life-changing.

Be delulu. Believe that whatever you want is already yours, and watch your life shift. You’ll have it in a few days.

Don’t be friends with people who are jealous of you. You deserve connections that uplift you.

Read Atomic Habits now—seriously, life-changing.

Don’t cut your bangs too short or chop your hair with kitchen scissors. Trust me, it’s the worst mistake.

Do a cold water rinse every time you get out of the shower—your hair will thank you, silky and gorgeous.

Rosemary water or oil works wonders. Use it if you want long, healthy hair.

Don’t dye your hair in your twenties. Embrace your natural color it’s beautiful.

Workout to feel good, make it a habit.

Be spontaneous, be unique. Don’t be afraid to express yourself. That’s your superpower.

Wear what makes you comfortable forget about trends.

Don’t compare yourself to others. Instead, find ways to work towards the life you admire, and start building it.

Buy what you truly love. Don’t just buy something because it’s on sale. Think wisely before making purchases.

Save money. Save money. Save money.

Stop focusing on things you don’t like about yourself or flaws. People don’t even notice these things. They see the real you, not just the external stuff.

The closed doors aren’t really closed. They’re shut because something even better is waiting for you.

Having a crush is fun and therapeutic—be delulu, enjoy it! But never tell your crush you like them.

I won’t say I hate this year. I liked it. Sure, it was full of challenges, but I’ve never experienced them before. It was a year of meaningful lessons, and I’m so grateful even for the hard days.

I hope I shared everything, and I didn’t forget anything. So grateful for the new subscribers nearly 1.3K of you! I don’t know you, but knowing you follow me and enjoy my content means the world. You motivate me to keep going, especially with my YouTube channel. To those who’ve supported my YouTube journey, I’m so thankful.

I hope you’ve been inspired by my 2024 lessons. Follow my socials for more, and let me know your 2024 lessons in the comments! ❣️❣️

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Next podcast in my youtube channel : 2025 glowup series : visionboards , goal setting and visualisation stay tuned

See you soon .

Manel