Some things I have learned in 2024:

Introduction:

2024 has been a year of profound lessons—some born out of heartbreak, others out of unexpected kindness. As I reflect on the experiences that have shaped me, I realize that growth often comes from the most challenging times. The following are thoughts I’ve gathered from my journey this year, drawn from moments of hope, sacrifice, and the discovery of what it truly means to love without conditions. Whether these reflections resonate with those who read them or serve as a quiet reminder of my inner truth, they are a testament to the resilience and loyalty that love demands. I share them here not just as observations, but as pieces of my heart laid bare.

1. * That real love requires sacrifice, even when it’s unrecognized or unrewarded.
2. That holding onto hope, even in the face of doubt and heartbreak, shows the strength of the heart.
3. That forgiving someone doesn’t mean forgetting; it means giving yourself permission to move forward.
4. That sometimes the person who hurts you the most is the one you still want to see smile.
5. That even when you’ve given all of yourself and more, there’s a deeper well of resilience inside you waiting to be tapped.
6. That believing in someone, even when they don’t believe in themselves, is the truest form of loyalty.
7. That love is often tested not in easy times but in the storms that come unexpectedly.
8. That when your heart is broken, you find out just how much you’re capable of giving, even when it’s painful.
9. That holding on to a vision of what could be takes more courage than letting go.
10. That the most unexpected people sometimes show up with love and support when you need it most, and their kindness changes everything.
11. That true loyalty is tested when things are at their worst, not when they’re easy.
12. That the love you give freely, without expecting anything in return, defines the strength of your character.
13. That the support of even one person can make a world of difference when you’re at your lowest.
14. That sometimes the people who were once strangers become family through the kindness they show.
15. That love is more than just a feeling—it’s a series of choices you make every day, even when it hurts.
16. That holding onto the good memories can keep you afloat when the present is too heavy to bear.
17. That being there for someone, even when they push you away, is the real measure of unconditional love.

Conclusion:

If this year has taught me anything, it’s that love is rarely easy, but it’s always worth it. Love isn’t just about the joyful moments—it’s about holding onto hope when everything else falls apart, about forgiving even when it’s hard, and about staying true to what you believe in, even when it hurts. The kindness and support of unexpected people have kept me going, reminding me that there is light even in the darkest of times. I write this not just for myself but as a message to those who may need to hear it: love is a choice, and it’s a choice I’ll keep making every day, even when the road is uncertain.

I love you, Queen Éowyn.