Reflection 2024: A life worth living

As 2024 draws to a close, I reflect with profound gratitude on the jouney of becoming my authentic self. I began with three guiding words: Celebrate, Nourish and Till.

This year has been a significant year, where I've finally come home to myself, shedding the layers that weren't truly me. After struggling for most of my adult life, I've discovered the freedom and joy of being my authentic self. I describe this as Becoming Winifred -as I have shared in this post.

2024 marked several meaningful milestones: 20 years of couplehood with my life partner, a decade of private practice at Promises Healthcare, and 20 years since surviving my stroke in 2004. My dream came true when my family managed to get the ballot to attend the Papal mass. Adding to these celebrations was the publication of 'Rising Above,' a collaborative book project that embodies resilience and growth. I've also presented a case study in the inaugural MEMI conference, earlier this month.

However, the year also brought its share of health challenges. An expanding roster of specialists, coupled with numerous medical appointments, scans, and investigations, became my new normal.

These served as stark reminders of my aging body and its limitations. Simultaneously, they also reinforced an important truth: nourishment extends beyond the physical. The persistent fatigue taught me to honour not just my body's needs, but also my mental and spiritual well-being.

In response to these challenges, I made self-care a priority, creating a holistic approach to nurture body, mind, and soul. I established a complementary wellness routine combining Traditional Chinese Medicine—regular acupuncture and Tui Na sessions—with personalized fitness training to improve my exercise form. Beyond physical care, I carved out intentional spaces: quality time with loved ones and solitary moments in nature to strengthen my spiritual connection with God.

The concept of "till" represents the need to slow down, be quiet, and recharge. It speaks to the importance of preparing for the future, of taking time for rest, reflection, and planning. It's about creating space for quiet contemplation and ensuring I'm ready for whatever lies ahead.

This year, I've consciously incorporated practices that foster inner peace and allow me to approach the future with clarity and intention such as journaling and meditation, and having regular sessions with my spiritual director who accompanies me monthly

Here are the three key lessons that I've learned:

1. Embracing the Freedom to Fail: Gretchen Rubin's "My Happiness Project" transformed my relationship with failure. By giving myself permission to fail—whether in pilates or weight loss goals—I've freed myself to take bold actions without self-judgment. These setbacks are now part of my growth rather than measures of my worth.
2. Growing Through Discomfort: This year reinforced the belief that discomfort signals growth. Publishing and marketing a book, pursuing voice coaching, launching a project with my husband, and committing to personal training—each step outside my comfort zone has strengthened my resilience.
3. Designing an Authentic Life: True happiness comes from living purposefully by my own design. I've focused on meaningful work through continuous professional development and deepening client relationships. I've invested in my most significant relationships and built a solid social capital. My measure of a life well-lived is simple: would I be ready to leave this earth tonight without regrets? The answer is yes.

I am living a life where both triumphs and challenges contribute to a richer existence. Inner peace comes not from avoiding setbacks but from meeting them with equanimity and courage.

As I look toward 2025, I carry forward these lessons - celebrating growth, embracing nourishment, and remaining grounded in my authentic self. This is living my flourishing life.

Sincerely,

Winifred Ling ???? (M.Couns, GDAPP, CMEMIP-1)