Another Christmas, another year literally flew by. It seems like only yesterday we were making New Year resolutions!

I have been thinking quite a bit about how to best describe 2024. Has anything spectacular happened? Has anything dramatically changed? Was it a good year? What have I learnt from 2024? For me, it didn’t have one defining moment, however it was built by often taking baby steps, being persistent and recognising each day as a gift, even when it was hard and challenging.

Campaign of positivity

There were moments this year when I often felt hopeless and deflated. Global conflicts, wars, economy, constant bombardment of news and information, regularly negative, meant that it was not easy to stay “sane”. In moments of crisis, I tried to remember to stay focused on what I am able to influence rather than things, which are beyond my control. This can be accomplished in a number of ways; volunteering, supporting local causes, funding more time for our loved ones. Our world today still needs a strong “campaign of positivity”, which can fill our hearts with joy and gratitude.

Self-care

Personally, I know that I am terrible at saying no. I am learning the importance of “self-care”. A friend of mine, a former nurse, once said to me; listen to your body. Four very powerful words. We can’t “save” the world if we don’t look after ourselves well. I think that this year helped me to become more assertive, which is slowing helping me to find a better work-life balance.

Our loved ones

The pace of life often dictates what we do and what we prioritise. It is hard to stop. I know that I often rush too much and I am trying to achieve things, which at times are beyond my capacity. In moments, when we try to be everything to everyone, I realise that it is so easy to neglect our own families and yet, it is so important to nourish these relationships and embrace each opportunity to smile, forgive and start again. They are often our greatest blessing or asset.

And what about 2025? I already know that, for a number of reasons, it will be a very busy year. There is plenty that I want to do and improve. Is there one thing that I would like to work on? Possibly, it is to listen better; listen to understand and not to respond.

* Michal Siewniak is a Lib Dem activist and councillor for Handside ward, Welwyn Hatfield.