“THE world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong at the broken places.” Ernest Hemingway’s timeless words capture the essence of resilience and perseverance in a world that often feels indifferent.
As we stand on the threshold of 2025, it is time to take a hard look at our lives, reflect on the past year, and resolve to create a future that aligns with our dreams and values.
The harsh reality is that the world does not care if you are in pain, sad, or struggling through the worst time of your life.
It expects you to wake up, show up and perform. This unyielding expectation is why you owe it to yourself to make the most of the time you have.
Therefore, live your life in a way that brings you joy and fulfilment while taking care of yourself as a whole.
Firstly, the people we surround ourselves with play a significant role in shaping our lives.
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“Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future” is not just a saying; it’s a reality.
Spend time with people who inspire and push you to be better.
Alternatively, spending time with individuals going nowhere, will lead you nowhere.
Family, too, is an essential component of a healthy, fulfilling life.
A supportive and loving family can provide the foundation for resilience, emotional well-being, and success.
These relationships are the bedrock upon which we build our lives.
Choose your friends wisely, nurture your family bonds, and understand that these relationships can be the difference between success and failure.
Secondly, it is astonishing how many illnesses and chronic conditions could be prevented by making healthier lifestyle choices.
Far too often, we sustain ourselves with food items that harm our bodies, while neglecting the importance of regular physical activity.
The consumer market is crafted to hook us on sugar and processed foods, which can affect the brain in ways similar to addictive substances.
Meanwhile, we are quick to judge alcoholics or drug addicts, ignoring the damage we inflict on ourselves through poor dietary habits.
By focusing on healthier choices in what we eat and drink, and by staying active, we can significantly improve the quality of our lives.
Let 2025 be the year you take control of your well-being.
Reduce your intake of ultra-processed foods, prioritise nutrient-dense meals, and incorporate consistent exercise into your routine.
The rewards: greater energy, better health, and improved longevity will be well worth the effort.
The truth is, most of us know what we need to do, and we just choose not to do it. Stop lying to yourself and take action.
Get up and do the hard things: end the toxic relationship, take that run, or start the new project you’ve been avoiding.
The life you dream of is on the other side of the choices you hesitate to make.
As 2024 ends, reflect on the goals you set for yourself. Did you achieve what you wanted, or did you allow distractions and excuses to deter you?
If the answer is not what you hoped, don’t despair; 2025 offers a fresh start and a chance to do things differently.
Take the time to define what success means to you. Build your foundation and pursue your dreams without worrying about where others are in their journeys.
Understand that life is fleeting.
Both good and bad times will pass, so make the most of the season you’re in while keeping your eyes on your goals.
Thirdly, comparison is toxic.
Measuring your success against others is not only pointless but also detrimental to your mental health. Everyone has a unique path, different resources, and varying challenges.
A success on someone else’s path is meaningless if it does not align with your own goals. People can be disappointing.
They may never appreciate your efforts or reciprocate your kindness. That’s okay.
Do not let their reactions define you. Stay true to your principles and strive to be the best version of yourself, regardless of how others respond.
At the same time, acknowledge your own flaws. We all play a role to play in our suffering, and growth begins with accepting that truth. Sometimes, we are the villains in our own stories or in someone else’s.
Own your mistakes, learn from them, and strive to do better for yourself and for those around you.
Lastly, understand that life can be beautiful, but only if we learn to let go of the things we cannot change. We all have regrets, but dwelling on them only holds us back.
Forgive those who have hurt you, and most importantly, forgive yourself.
Let go of bitterness and resentment.
The one person you will live with until the day you die is yourself. Look in the mirror and make peace with your past decisions.
Be your own best friend. Learn to love and accept yourself so that you can move forward with strength and confidence.
As we step into 2025, understand that the only plan that will work is the one you truly believe in.
Do something different this year.
Set yourself up for success by committing to goals that resonate with your values and aspirations. Wishing you a happy, prosperous, and transformative new year.
May 2025 be the year you embrace growth, resilience, and the power to create the life you desire.
- Rutendo Kureya is a medical student at Saint Petersburg State Paediatric Medical University, Russia. She is passionate about issues concerning the state and welfare of fellow Zimbabweans. She can be reached at kureyaru@gmail.com. Mobile: +7 996 274 98 66 Facebook: Rutendo Kureya. She writes here in her personal capacity.