A traveler's annual review: memories, lessons learned and new goals

As the year and the festive season are ending, I'd like to take a moment to slow down and look back on the past year. I don't do this to recite empty phrases or make a list of New Year's resolutions that I won't keep. Instead, I think about the best and worst moments of the year. This helps me appreciate all the good things and set new goals that will motivate me in the coming year.

I remember last year at the New Year's Eve party, during a quieter moment, my friends and I were talking about what we were most proud of. I said I was proud of getting through 2023 with my sanity intact. I realized that didn't sound nice and decided to make 2024 different. So, did it work? I'm happy to say that it mostly did.

Life with Ádi sped up even more, but I think we made a conscious effort to let go of some things to focus on what truly mattered. Work took over our daily lives, and the little free time I had was so scattered that I couldn't use it effectively. Mental fatigue was a constant companion this year, making it hard to break free from this cycle. What helped? The many adventures and trips that gave me a break from it all. I realized that taking just 1-2 days off without any plans doesn't help me unwind. When I stay at home, I end up cleaning things, re-organizing some drawers, and dealing with my chores and duties—I'm sure I'm not alone in this. The more chaotic my life is, the more obsessively I reorganize things to feel that I can control at least a small part of it. That's why I prioritized fewer but longer periods of rest- What did I do in the remaining time? I reorganized everything in the house at least twice. Just kidding...I didn't do it twice.

One of my favorite quotes nowadays

At the beginning of the year, we went on our usual long weekend in Zakopane, focusing on snowboarding and relaxation. This trip always helps to fill the gap left after the Christmas rush and New Year's celebrations in January and February. Then, in May, we took a spontaneous trip to Barbados. On a whim, we signed up for a diving course and passed our first open-water diving exam. It took me a day or two to feel fully settled after we arrived. This was a clear warning sign of how hectic things had been before. We came back with unforgettable memories that energized me for months. I learned to be more relaxed and that I don't always need to have a plan or schedule. Visiting my long-distance best friend in Belgium during the summer was amazing. A lot had changed in our lives since the university but one thing remained constant. When we are together, we barely stop laughing. It was better than any therapy.

We initially decided against a major summer trip with Ádi, aiming for a more modest, budget-friendly vacation. However, everyone around us was skeptical, and rightly so! After several days of searching, we discovered that a trip to Sri Lanka could be a better value for money than many European beach destinations. We compromised by opting for a shorter stay than originally desired, but we made the most of it. I recall that we would enthusiastically recount the previous day's highlights during breakfast, and at dinner time, we would reflect on the day's adventures. Looking back at the photos even in December, all the memories return instantly. This experience taught me to be grateful for what I have, as what is evident to me could only be a dream for someone else. It also reminded me to appreciate diversity and that kindness and patience can make life much easier.

After so many years, I joined a big family vacation to Egypt again in October. It was an adventure full of unexpected twists and turns and occasional challenges to overcome, but the shared moments and memories, the bonds formed were priceless. It made me realize how little time we spend together especially now that everyone has started living their own lives. Still, it is important in order to maintain the strong relationships that came so naturally when we were kids.

In the last months of the year, I managed to plan a few smaller trips. Admittedly, there were times when I felt overwhelmed and yearned for solitude, to do nothing and just be with myself. However, later the lesson was clear: I greatly needed to break away from the routine and recharge.

My motto

Some might think what a show off to visit so many places in one year. Though I would understand the sentiment, it is not what I'm trying to say. Everyone has their way of maintaining physical and mental balance. For me, it's mostly traveling (and reorganizing my stuff of course). So, what's my year-end conclusion? I've realized that I struggle with the same issue as most people around me: chronic lack of time. There's no time to relax, no time to do nothing and no time to spend quality moments with others or even ourselves, which negatively affects all areas of life. Starting my blog was a great way to do something that I'm passionate about, even when I'm not packing for a new trip or going on a safari. It recharges and inspires me, and boosts my creativity. This year, I'm proud that I overcame my perfectionism and fears and dared to take the plunge. Not to mention that I'm entering the new year with big plans I hadn't even dreamed of at the beginning of the year. By nature, I am a precise, "list-making" person. I enjoy planning, thinking things through, and going over details, let it be my weekly to-do list or meticulously planning a trip. This year, however, I learned to let go and be more spontaneous. I didn't always keep everything under strict control and often just went with the flow. Each adventure showed me a different culture, offering a glimpse into various ways of life and rhythms, and allowing me to see how others view the world including both the challenges and joys that come with it.

What are the new goals for 2025? In short: to be present. I aim to be more mindful in my everyday life and maintain balance. I want to travel, see the world, gather new experiences, and share them with others. I'm also passionate about helping those who haven't had the means or courage to go on their dream journeys.

How would you evaluate your 2024? I hope you feel just as proud of yourself and look forward to 2025 with courage and joy!

Such a deeply personal reflection is a fitting end to the year and another step toward overcoming my limitations. I'll be back in January with renewed strength, exciting stories, and, as always, useful tips. Thank you for being with me, and I hope to see you again in 2025!