FOR some, 2024 felt like a year that dragged on, while for others, it passed in the blink of an eye. For me, it’s a year I’m still processing, reflecting on the moments that shaped it, and how they fit into the larger timeline of my life. Writing this piece feels like a perfect tribute to everything that unfolded in the past year—an ode to the highs and lows, to the people who walked beside me, and even to those who chose a different path. Regardless of which way it went, 2024 was a year of connection and community. It was a year of love — not just romantic love, but a collective sense of care and compassion for ourselves, our families, and those around us. The lessons I’ve learned will stay with me for years to come.
As we usher into the new year, I want to remind everyone that you don’t need to have “achieved” anything or learned profound lessons to celebrate the passing of a year. If all you did was survive, that in itself is worth celebrating. I know this well because I spent many years simply surviving, with a lot of help along the way. Now, I can say that I did more than just survive — I truly lived in 2024.
So, here are some of the key lessons I’m carrying forward into the years ahead, as I continue to evolve:

Listening to your Intuition
WE all have that gut feeling — the instinctive sense that tells us when something feels right or wrong. It’s often said that women are more attuned to it, but the truth is, we all have it. It’s a simple yes, no, or maybe, and it’s always there to guide us.
However, as we grow older, we tend to rely more on logic and reasoning, often overriding our intuition in favour of “rational” thinking. I did this more times than I care to admit this year, convincing myself that I was being open-minded or tolerant. I ignored my gut feeling on several occasions, thinking that maybe I was being too judgmental, that I shouldn’t categorize people, emotions, or situations so quickly. But more than once, I paid the price for this—finding myself in situations I should have avoided. From now on, I’ll trust my intuition. Change is welcome, but it must feel right and aligned with my inner voice. When my gut says something’s off, I’ll listen. It knows better.

Acceptance of circumstances
SOME things in life are simply out of our control. It’s a difficult reality to accept, but it’s the truth. Things happen that we cannot change, and it’s important to allow ourselves to feel whatever emotions those situations bring up. The best we can do is acknowledge those feelings and seek support from people who understand and offer compassion.

Being kind and nurturing to your body & mind
ONE of the most important lessons I’ve learned this year — and I believe it’s a lesson everyone needs to take to heart — is to be kind to yourself. The world outside is chaotic — filled with violence, hatred, and loss. In the midst of all that turmoil, the only sanctuary you can create is within yourself.
Be kind to your body and mind. They are working tirelessly to help you survive and thrive. Perhaps that offhand remark you made was your body’s way of signalling discomfort. Listen to it, and respond with care. In a world that can often feel harsh, we don’t have to be. You can still choose to love yourself and others, and in doing so, break the cycle of negativity.

Care for yourself and your community
WHEN you begin to show up for yourself—emotionally, physically, and spiritually—that’s when you’re truly ready to show up for others. The saying “you can’t pour from an empty cup” took on a whole new meaning for me this year. I had an experience that really made me understand it on a deeper level. I was bitten by a dog and needed to get rabies vaccinations. When I mentioned this to a friend, she insisted on accompanying me to the clinic. I didn’t understand why she felt the need to be there for something as simple as a vaccine, but her presence was incredibly meaningful. It was one of the most selfless acts anyone had done for me in a long time. That moment made me realize how much it means when people simply show up for you.
Being surrounded by a supportive community is a beautiful thing, but it also requires you to become part of that community—to show up for others as well. Helping others isn’t just about grand gestures; sometimes, it’s as simple as being present. I now see it as a privilege when others seek my help in times of need, and I do my best to offer comfort in whatever way I can.

Finding your tribe
NO HEALING or growth happens in isolation. For a long time, I believed that true strength came from being hyper-independent, from handling everything on my own. It took me years of struggle and self-reflection to realize that it’s quite the opposite.
Humans are inherently social creatures. As much as we might want to think we can do everything alone, our ancestors knew better, and that knowledge is embedded in our DNA. After enduring cycles of suffering and healing, it became clear to me that the most important tool for coping and growing is the support of others. Yes, we have the choice to surround ourselves with both good and bad people, but it’s our aforementioned intuition that will guide us toward the right ones. Once you find your tribe—the people who show up for you, who choose you over and over again—life becomes a little less harsh and a lot more fulfilling.

(Oshana Kewal is an independent graphic designer and visual artist currently based in Goa. She has over eight years of experience in the visual communications space and specializes in providing creative design solutions for brands and individuals helping bring their ideas to life through impactful visuals.)