I’m not going to scold myself, get angry at myself, or feel disappointed. I’m simply going to accept myself because what we do with our lives and the decisions we make at every moment are the right ones, even if they might seem wrong to others or even to ourselves.

That’s why I want to start this post—which will probably be the last one of the year—by reflecting on everything I’ve learned over these past 365 days. I believe they’ve been the most inspiring, transformative, and exciting of recent times. Let’s go!

Those of you who’ve known me all my life or for a long time know very well that my life has had many ups and downs (although, until now, I tended to notice and emphasize only on the “downs” more). But I’ve managed to get through all of those ups and downs—sometimes better, sometimes worse—but always managed to come through in the end. And the best part is that I’ve always come out stronger, sharper (even if I occasionally let myself fall asleep a little again).

Like many of you, the universe has also had its laughs at my expense. Honestly, it seems to enjoy seeing how we react when we have to deal with those little “mierdecitas.” I imagine the owner of the universe and their assistants watching everything through a magnifying glass, saying, “Hahaha, look at this one! Check out that one! Let’s throw another obstacle at them—hahaha, how funny!” In my mind, I picture them having a blast at our expense.

I’ve had fun too, during both the good and the bad times. The only difference is that, when bad things happened, I’d get mad, cry, ask myself, “Why me?” I’d share my woes with everyone, feel sorry for myself, and repeat over and over how miserable I was. In a loop, I’d yell at the universe and agree with it: “I’m not enough.”

And what happened? Let me tell you what happened in 2024…

There came a moment when I thought: “Okay, Nuria, you’ve spent years (not to say your entire freaking life) feeling bad about yourself and blaming others or the universe for your miseries… and where has that gotten you?”

The answer to that question was what changed everything. And that answer turned out to be one of the most important reflections of my life: “Nowhere, negativity has gotten me nowhere.”

So I thought: Why not try something different? Why not give a different attitude a shot? Maybe be positive, for example?

At the beginning of this year, I decided to change my chip. Literally, as if I were a robot, I updated my operating system to one that’s more “positive-friendly.”

Nuria, how did you do it? I have to admit, it wasn’t easy. When certain habits are deeply ingrained, it’s tough to change them, but I realized I didn’t have another option.

I started a new morning routine that I think I’ll stick with for the rest of my life. Every morning, I write in my journal of positive affirmations a list of things I’m grateful for. I also read my affirmations out loud and describe my perfect life in a notebook as if I were already living it.

In addition, I practice yoga, meditation, and repeat small positive messages and mantras to myself throughout the day. At night, I write down everything that happened during the day, always looking for the good, even if it was a crappy day.

It hasn’t been an immediate or perfect change, but this constant, positive approach began to make all the difference. And suddenly, things started happening. At first, they were small things, almost imperceptible, but little by little, they turned into something bigger, more important, and more meaningful.

I began to notice signs everywhere, as if the universe was responding to my new energy. I met people who fit perfectly into this new version of my life. At the same time, I started letting go of people who, honestly, didn’t seem to enjoy my “new self.”

And it’s funny, but I realized that not everyone is comfortable seeing me happy. Hahaha! It seems like my happiness made some people uncomfortable, but I learned to let go without resentment and to move forward with those who shared my enthusiasm for this stage of life.

And suddenly, 2024 is coming to an end, and I’m going to have a hard time saying goodbye. Until now, I’d always been eager to say goodbye to years because I thought they’d been shitty (although now I realize they weren’t). But this year is different; this year, saying goodbye will sting a little more.

Still, I’ll always be grateful for all the lessons it has given me. I’m looking forward to 2025 with anticipation and lots of positive energy, ready to prove that I’m prepared to keep moving forward on this path of constant change—a path where I’m learning to see the world with gratitude and joy and to be aware of every passing second so I can savor all the gifts it will continue to bring.

Happy New Year to everyone. I hope you find that year that makes you feel the same and pushes you to be the best version of yourselves.