wanderhoney.com

Part 1: Career and Personal Growth

Happy New Year, Wanderhaners! Okay, I totally just made that word up! 😂 I thought giving my readers a special name would be fun. But anyway, it’s 2025, and I’m feeling so hyped! Looking back at 2024, I can say that my life feels so much different now.

One of the biggest turning points for me came in February 2024, when I finally decided to leave my old workplace after 6 years. It wasn’t easy walking away from a place filled with so many memories, but the toxic environment had taken a serious toll on me mentally and emotionally. I was completely burnt out.

My new workplace is part of a much larger organization, but I’m in a smaller, close-knit team. Despite the size of the team, everyone takes full responsibility for their tasks, making the workload so much more manageable. For the first time in years, I no longer feel chained to endless overtime. It’s incredible how a supportive environment can transform not just your mindset but your overall quality of life. I can finally breathe again, and that sense of peace at work has been truly life-changing. 

Work also brought its own moments of joy this year. I got promoted, which felt like a meaningful step forward, but the real highlight was being named “Employee of the Quarter.” Getting recognized for my efforts after just 6 months of working at a new workplace was such a proud moment for me. It was a reminder that hard work and dedication don’t go unnoticed, even if it takes time.

Of course, the year wasn’t without its struggles. There was a period when finances were tight, and I found myself juggling bills and expenses, feeling like I wasn’t doing enough. It was humbling, and honestly, a little scary—a reminder of how fragile stability can be. But somehow, even during those difficult months, I was never without what I truly needed. I always had enough to get by, and for that, I’m so thankful.

By September, things started to improve, and I was in a much better financial position. Sometimes I still wonder how I managed to save some extra money—did I miss paying something? 🤣 But I see it as a reminder of God’s blessings:

“Abundance isn’t just about having more but about having enough when you need it most.”

Part 2: Relationships and Lifestyle Changes

The most beautiful part of 2024, without a doubt, was my relationship. My partner and I have grown so much together since we started dating in 2023. Sometimes, it still feels so new to me—like I’m still in the “can’t-stop-flirting-with-him” phase 🥰. Being with him has been such a fulfilling journey, filled with love that feels genuine and deeply meaningful. He shows his love in ways that truly matter—whether it’s taking me out for a great meal, really listening to what I say, or surprising me with something I casually mentioned, his love is something I’ll never take for granted. 

We’ve had our challenges, of course—every relationship does. But this past year has been such a learning curve for both of us. At one point, I considered ending things because of our differences in character, but we found a way to work through it and rebuild our connection. We’ve grown in how we communicate, how we handle each other’s emotions, and how we let go of our ego when it matters most. Forgiveness, though, has been one of the hardest lessons for me. I tend to hold onto resentment, but learning to let go has been incredibly rewarding.

I’ve also learned to love my partner for who he truly is without holding him to some unrealistic expectations of the “perfect partner.” I remember during our anniversary, I wrote him a letter telling him,

“You don’t give me butterflies; you’re more like a fireplace, keeping me warm and safe.”

After years of being so caught up in the mindset of over-idealized concepts—”I want a guy like this; I want a guy like that”—thinking I needed someone who made me feel that nervous, fluttery excitement, like the ‘butterflies in my stomach’—I’ve now come to accept that what I truly need is someone who can make me feel secure, loved, and at peace with myself. He gives me exactly that. His unwavering loyalty to our relationship, his integrity that mirrors my own, his understanding of my emotions, his ability to truly listen, his patience with my emotional rollercoasters, and his genuine care for my happiness—that, to me, is more than enough. 

For the first time in my life, I’ve experienced what it feels like to be in a stable, grounded relationship, and I couldn’t be more grateful for it.

My sweet tooth was definitely in full force in 2024. Desserts, chocolate drinks, doughnuts, cheesecakes—you name it, I craved it all. The best part? My partner loves spoiling me, so whenever I mention something, he’s quick to make it happen. It’s a small joy, but it means so much to me. Looking back, it’s funny to think about how I used to avoid sugar completely when I was younger. Now, as it’s 2025, I’m trying to find a balance. I need to be more mindful of my health as I get older, and finding a way to enjoy life’s little treats while staying healthy is definitely a goal for me this year.

Oh! I finally got my braces off after wearing them for 4 years, and I couldn’t be happier with how my teeth look now. I feel more confident smiling in photos without worrying about my smile. Along with that, I’ve also started consuming more supplements, like collagen, probiotics, fish oil, and NAD+, to nourish my skin and support my overall health as I age. My mornings now begin with a cup of green tea, and when I’m in the mood, I enjoy pilates or a run. It’s all part of a lifestyle that makes me feel more confident and comfortable in my own skin.

Speaking of skin, I’ve been all about a natural look, shifting my focus to skincare instead of heavy makeup. It’s honestly been a game-changer. I’ve completely stopped wearing heavy makeup—it’s been 1.5 years since I last used foundation and face powder. My skin has never looked better, and I’m now comfortable going out without makeup. While I’m still working on my dark circles, I’m confident they’ll improve over time.

Travel, on the other hand, was quieter than I’m used to. I didn’t go abroad like I had in the past, and most of my outings were local with my partner or work-related. While I cherish those moments, I can’t help but miss the thrill of exploring new countries. Watching my partner travel with his family made me feel a little down at times, and I’ll admit, it sparked some tough conversations, especially since my previous partners used to take me on trips. But I’m grateful to have a partner who listens and understands my feelings, even when I’m struggling with them. I’m hopeful that 2025 will bring more opportunities for us to explore the world together.

Looking ahead, I’m filled with hope. 2024 was a year of meaningful changes and growth. While some of those changes were challenging, they pushed me to grow in unexpected ways, teaching me to embrace uncertainty and adapt to new circumstances. I found strength even in moments of self-doubt and learned the value of gratitude and finding joy in the little things. I often remind myself:

Even during the hardest times, there was always something to be thankful for.

That perspective is something I want to carry with me into 2025. So here’s to the new year. May it be a time of love, happiness, and new beginnings for all of us. And to you, my dear reader, thank you for being part of my journey. May 2025 bring you everything your heart desires and more.