As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year that was anything but ordinary. It was a year of contradictions—full of challenges and setbacks, but also brimming with growth and unexpected victories. It’s been a rollercoaster, one that pushed me beyond my limits and taught me invaluable lessons that I will carry forward into the future.
A Year of Challenges and Self-Discovery
The year wasn’t easy. There were moments of failure, broken bonds, and betrayal. At times, it felt like life was testing me, throwing obstacles in my path just to see how I would respond. But instead of letting these experiences define me negatively, I chose to embrace them. I learned to appreciate my failures as learning opportunities, realizing that each setback was a step toward growth. I began to clap for myself, acknowledging my resilience, and appreciating my own strength for making it through.
Reflecting on the year from a place of humility, I can confidently say that I have come out stronger. I now understand more deeply the value of patience, empathy, and introspection. I have learned to take each challenge in stride, accepting that setbacks are part of the journey, not the end of the road. The year taught me that the only way to truly move forward is to continue learning, adapting, and growing.
Embracing the Wins and Celebrating Progress
Despite the difficulties, there were plenty of wins. I decided to bless myself with time for what truly makes me happy. I took steps to connect with new people, form new relationships, and design new projects. This year, I made the decision to stop waiting until I was 100% ready and just took action, starting small and learning along the way. This mindset shift brought tremendous joy and creativity into my life, leading to breakthroughs I hadn’t anticipated.
Professionally, it was a year of significant achievements. I launched my first website, a project I had been putting off for far too long. I also had the honor of helping put together two professional websites for artists at Ganya Records. We even launched a landing page for Ganya Records, with bigger plans for next year. It’s been amazing to see how much I’ve been able to accomplish, even when I didn’t feel fully prepared. I realized that stepping out of my comfort zone and just doing what feels right has been key to my growth.
In terms of business, Ganya Records signed two new artists, Jakie Devine and Gita, and we worked on two major album/EPs projects set for release in 2025. I also established new networks across East Africa, connecting with professionals from Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. This collaborative spirit has led to exciting developments, including an ongoing project to create a media and artist awards company in Rwanda—a project I’m particularly excited about.
The Lessons on Relationships and Personal Growth
2024 also taught me some tough lessons about relationships. I learned that people often bring their own baggage into our interactions, shaped by past experiences and challenges. I had to come to terms with the fact that not all relationships are meant to last, and it’s okay to let go when things no longer serve me or bring value. In particular, I realized that I tend to over-trust people and haven’t always been cautious enough about the intentions of others. This year, betrayal came from people I never expected it from, and that stung deeply.
But I’ve learned that people change, and sometimes, that change is something I can’t control. It’s a painful lesson, but one that has given me a greater understanding of the complexities of human relationships. As I move forward, I am more conscious of my boundaries and intentions, and I will be more discerning about the people I allow into my life. This year, I’ve also realized the importance of surrounding myself with people who uplift me, who inspire me to do better, and who challenge me to grow.
Looking Forward: Embracing New Possibilities in 2025
As I look ahead to 2025, I’m filled with anticipation and excitement. There’s still so much I want to accomplish, but I’ve learned to pace myself and focus on what truly matters. I no longer want to waste time over-planning or waiting for the perfect moment—I’ve learned that progress is made through action, no matter how small.
In 2025, I hope to deepen my roots across East Africa. I’m still figuring out exactly what that will look like, but I’m excited by the possibilities. I want to do things that not only exceed my own expectations but also surprise and inspire those around me. I’m committed to embracing patience, staying focused on my goals, and living with a sense of purpose and clarity.
I also want to continue the journey of personal growth—listening more to my instincts, taking care of my well-being, and finding balance in both my personal and professional life. As my mom once told me, “Don’t love too much.” At the time, I didn’t understand, but now I do. It’s about knowing where to invest your energy and when to step back. Similarly, my dad’s advice about being careful with people has resonated deeply with me this year. I now understand the weight of those words and will carry them with me as I navigate the complexities of human relationships.
As 2024 comes to a close, I feel grateful for all the lessons, both the easy ones and the hard ones. Not all my reflections have made it into this blog, as some are deeply personal, but I’m excited for the future. The year has shown me that life is full of unexpected twists and turns, but through patience, humility, and focus, we can navigate even the most difficult times. I’m carrying these lessons into the new year, with a heart full of hope and a mind ready for new challenges.
Here’s to 2025—may it be a year of growth, resilience, and endless possibilities
