2024 Doesn't Owe Me A Thing!

This time of year, I always take a moment to reflect and review the Pinkprint document saved on my MacBook. What is the Pinkprint, you ask? It’s my moodboard, my goal list, my vision—all in the form of a PowerPoint file, because I am a corporate business nerd (I even subtitled it “My Official Dream Proposal”). This file dates back to 2021, and I like to keep it all in one place so I can track what I’ve achieved and how my goals evolve year by year.

So, what was on the list for 2024? Grow my savings, stay consistent with my weight loss journey, take social media seriously, and start my PhD.

Let’s start with the things that DID go right this year. October marked one full year of attending Pilates and two full years of making food-conscious decisions while staying active. My ultimate goal since starting this journey was to weigh 130 lbs. I’m now at 139 lbs—76 lbs gone in two years! So, I think I can confidently cross that off the list for 2024.

Grow my savings? Check and check! Over the past few years, the discipline I built for weight loss spilled over into other areas of my life, including my finances. A lot of my money used to go toward partying and eating out. But when you make positive lifestyle changes, they tend to pour into other parts of your life. This year, I was as smart as I could be about money and even shocked myself by achieving an excellent credit score (I’m just a few points shy of the highest possible score).

Take social media seriously? Insert cricket sounds here. What? I’m not perfect. I’ve never felt fully comfortable in front of the camera, and the few things I do post take so much out of me. There’s a trail of abandoned and refurbished accounts and business ideas I’ve left behind because, at the end of the day, you have to show your face and market yourself. Podcasts, lifestyle accounts, e-commerce stores—all dropped because I struggle with my own image and what others might think. I have so much knowledge and love I want to share with the world, but I can’t seem to get over my own self-cringe. How is it that I can build someone else’s image but not my own? As a Marketing Manager, that’s wild. Long story short, social media is officially back on the list for 2025.

And the PhD? Let’s unpack that for a second. I love school and I love learning, but what I don’t love are student loans. This year, I worked two full-time remote jobs that took up so much of my time and energy. I couldn’t even keep up with my language studies and, honestly, forgot a lot of Korean grammar this year. After completing my MBA in 2023, I wasn’t ready to sacrifice the social life I’d finally built after moving to a new state.

Now, let’s talk about the not-so-fun side of 2024. I was laid off from both jobs recently. Right before the holidays. Diabolical, right? This marks layoff number 3 and 4 since 2020. But before you start asking if I’m okay—of course I am! One thing about being at the bottom is that, when you’ve been there before, it doesn’t scare you. I grew up here. It’s familiar. But this time, it feels different because I was smart about my funds. I unknowingly created a safety net with the discipline I’ve built. I’m so grateful to the girl who prepared to take care of the girl writing this blog today.

So, what’s next for me in 2025? Well... GETTING A JOB. LOL. Each time I’ve been laid off, God has blessed me with a better job that paid more and taught me new, valuable skills. I know without a doubt He’ll show up for me this time, too. Between us, I’m excited for what He has in store because, in every season of discomfort, He’s done something incredible. I’m praying for a role that meets my new salary expectations, is in the music or entertainment industry, and—fingers crossed—includes some travel opportunities. In the meantime, your girl has already updated her resume and may even get more active on LinkedIn. Not gonna lie, I love the hunt. There’s something thrilling about a world of new possibilities opening up.

That said, I’m giving social media and content creation another try until I figure out what works for me. I love to write and journal, but let’s face it—our world is in full brain-rot mode. I need to figure out how to translate my love for writing into short-form video content (send help and prayers). Ultimately, I need to stop playing. The corporate world isn’t what it used to be in the ’80s, and these days, being an entrepreneur is the best safety net you can have while working your 9-to-5.

I also want to deepen my devotion to God. The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit will remain the foundation of everything I do in 2025 and beyond. I’m terrible at reading the Bible consistently, so I need to find ways to incorporate bite-sized pieces throughout my day. Yes, I’m downloading the Bible app again—this time, I won’t ignore the notifications.

Another goal? Controlling my ADHD thoughts and habits. I recently started medication, and I’m taking this seriously. That means no more throwing clothes on the floor, finishing what I start, being present in conversations (not just pretending to be), texting back my loved ones, and scheduling consistent rest to avoid burnout. This list is long, but baby, you know I’m tackling it.

Finally, organizing my thoughts and goals helps me be the best version of myself—not just for me, but for my son. When he looks at me, I want him to see a happy, strong, and whole mom. When I feel my best, I can help him reach his own goals and dreams. Homeschooling an autistic child takes a lot of energy, and I can’t afford to forget to pour into myself, too.

Well, guys, that’s all I have for you today. Hopefully, I stay consistent with this blog in 2025!

Key takeaways:

• Small steps make for big victories.

• Confidence is power.

• God is in control.

_________________________________________________________________________

Here is my prayer to you all:

Father God, I pray that you cover and anoint the person reading this blog right now. Whether it be in 2024, 2025 or beyond, please help this person relinquish all control they think they need to be successful because surrendering control to you will allow them to flourish in their purpose truly. Give this person patience, resilience, and faith that the best things in their life are in front of them, not just behind them. Give them strength and discipline to make the right choices, even if it's hard, so that they may feast on their own harvest. Look after them and keep them in your protection. In Jesus name, I pray. 

Amen