2024 was a year of contrasts, a relentless storm at times, but also one filled with unexpected light. The challenges tested my resolve, but they also revealed moments of joy, growth, and connection that reminded me why the journey matters.
Personally, it was a nonstop train, filled with test after test, geared towards the most intense levels of character and spiritual development.
Fundamental lessons were learned, regardless of if I went out to find them.
Each test unearthed a truth I could no longer ignore: I had been carrying a weight I never agreed to bear. Yet, alongside that weight, it also brought moments of light, laughter shared with loved ones, milestones achieved, and reminders that even in the hardest times, life still offers reasons to celebrate.
Nowadays, I chuckle whenever I hear someone telling me what I should do, because I now know it’s most likely based on what they would do if they were you or me. They can’t help this egocentric bias even if they want to, it’s a flaw in the best of us.
There’s just something odd about the overemphasized perspectives that are frequently held, thinking that one person’s experiences and perspectives are the universal standard, followed by the false viewpoint that others would make the same decisions and have the same opinions, is not only toxic but suffocates genuine empathy and understanding.
It’s easy to run behind the cover of things happening for character development and avoid the opportunity to realize it’s about creating something meaningful.
Sometimes, people just need a chance to discover or maybe even rediscover who they are beneath the hustle and bustle of modern day life.
Purpose In the Darkness and Shadows
I often joke about being Batman, but funny enough, I don’t see myself as a hero. I see myself simply as someone who is driven by the fear of failure, not to anyone but my Creator.
Looking back, I learned to have true faith in the darkness and shadows, where everything felt hidden, or filled with grief, doubt, and the weight of ever increasing responsibility. In those moments, it felt like there was no light, no clear path forward.
Darkness is where we’re forced to confront our deepest struggles, the times when we question everything and have nothing to rely on but inner resolve.
But then there are shadows. Shadows don’t exist without light, they are cast by something meaningful being illuminated. Shadows aren’t total darkness; they are the contrast, the challenge, that comes when light shines on something real.
They show us where our attention is needed, where we need to push harder, focus more, and stay determined. Shadows reveal the contours of the path ahead, even if that path is difficult to walk.
Strength is forged in both shadows and darkness. In the darkness, I found endurance and the strength to keep moving forward even when everything felt uncertain.
The darkness taught me patience and trust in the story unfolding within my life.
In the shadows, I found clarity. The ability to see the challenges ahead as opportunities for growth, not obstacles. Shadows sharpened my focus and reminded me that with light comes responsibility.
This year, I’ve learned that both are necessary. The darkness brings depth and resilience, while the shadows provide the sharpness of purpose.
Many people miss this point, It’s not about avoiding struggle but embracing both the absence and presence of light. In the darkness, we build the strength to persevere. In the shadows, we find the clarity to define our mission and push forward.
Now, I don’t just survive through the hard times, I ask myself: What can I build from this? How can I use both the shadows and the darkness to create something meaningful?
Those questions have led me to new clarity, and the mission has never felt more important.
By embracing both the light and its absence, I’ve come to understand that my purpose is about more than finding the lovables in my own life, it’s about helping others find theirs.
Both shadows and darkness are not distractions; they are crucial parts of the journey. They’ve given me the strength to turn what I’ve endured into something bigger, bolder, and more impactful.
Always Upward Gratitude
Amidst the challenges, there were moments of light, ones that reminded me of the beauty in the journey. Milestones were celebrated, relationships deepened, and quiet joys brought unexpected peace.
Those moments weren’t distractions; they were anchors, keeping me grounded and reminding me that even in a year of shadows, there’s always light worth holding onto.
I’ve been fortunate for those that remind me that the journey ahead is about embracing each opportunity, each challenge, and transforming them into something greater, something more lovable.
The year of chaos known as 2024 has shown me that it’s not the shadows themselves that define us, but how we use them to illuminate a path forward, driven by love, clarity, and a purpose bigger than ourselves.
I’m not here to seek glory, although it’s nice to be appreciated. I’m here, as always, to see my purpose through.
Simply put, to show up and help out.
The road ahead is uncertain but full of promise. Each step forward demands intention, courage, and resolve, but also a willingness to embrace the joy and beauty that life offers along the way.
This isn’t just about personal growth, it’s about building a legacy, one shaped by both the light and the lessons of darkness. Always upward, always forward.