Review 2024 - The Good, the Bad, the Real
Loredana Gavrilescu (Dobrea)
Digital Anthropology | Strategic Design | Business Consulting | Marketing Research
My mind is constantly spinning with thoughts and plans—it doesn’t need wind or water to keep moving; it just goes. ?? You know what I mean, don’t you?
As I reflect on 2024, I feel a mix of gratitude and bittersweetness. This year has brought many changes into my life, each one shaping me in unexpected ways. By the end of it, though, life feels different—lighter, steadier. One of the most comforting shifts has been my HOME finally starting to feel like my own little sanctuary, cozier and more like my first place.
Solitude, I’ve realized, has been an unexpected source of strength this year. I spent time reading—and abandoning—books without fully finishing any, as far as I can recall. It wasn’t about the destination but the moments of quiet escape they offered. I rediscovered my passion for photography with Andrei's help and even ventured to a festival alone—a gift from Pluria . Each experience, small or grand, reminded me of the joy of doing things just for me.
In these quiet, reflective moments, I found encouragement from people in my community whom I deeply admire. Their inspiration nudged me to capture memories and reflect on the story of this year. But life has its way of mixing light with shadow. Recently, I learned that a dear friend—someone who has been a steady presence in my life—was diagnosed with cancer. You can read their story and offer support here.
That news felt like a heavy gift—a "Christmas Present" I never asked for. Since then, I’ve been searching for ways to understand and process it. Last night, I stumbled upon a YouTube video of Susan Sontag discussing Illness as Metaphor. One quote struck me deeply:
Depression is melancholy minus its charms. Illness is the night side of life, a more onerous citizenship. Everyone who is born holds dual citizenship, in the kingdom of the well and in the kingdom of the sick.
Her words resonated as I thought about the hardest parts of this year—moments that tested me like never before. While I won’t linger too long in those moments, they taught me resilience and the importance of seeking light, even in the darkest times. It reminded me of a line from The Sopranos TV series:
“You never know when it’s going to happen, or when it’s going to hit you.”
And yet, if this year has taught me anything, it’s that fear never gets the last word. It’s always met with hope, no matter how small. For every moment of doubt, there’s been a reminder of the quiet strength we hold within ourselves.
Even when the world feels heavy, we keep moving forward. We keep dreaming, searching for light, and finding ways to make things better—one small step at a time.
Professionally, this year has also been a purposeful one. I joined a new team and contributed to The Recursive's State of AI in CEE Report 202. Through this project, I learned about journalism and how it informs and shapes perspectives, leaving a meaningful impact on the world. If I could have more lives, I’d gladly use one to be a journalist too.
After that, I took on a challenge that marked the start of a new collaboration journey, where I learned about the power of Strategic Design. This has inspired me to add it to my list of skills to explore further as part of my research journey. Who knows? Maybe 2025 will bring an exciting mix of projects and collaborations with multidisciplinary teams.
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On a personal note, staying active became an important goal. I committed to going to the gym and took on the challenge of the L'Etape Romania by Tour de France completing 39 kilometers. It was a personal achievement I’m proud of, and I hope to create more of these moments in the future.
Life has been busy. I didn’t manage to paint or organize Change Strategy sessions as I’d hoped. Instead, I leaned into the fullness of life, treasuring time with my family, friends, and our ever-growing furry family—Bibi and Lala.
This was also the year I dusted off my math skills and approached the AI Bachelor program with renewed commitment.
In this educational journey, I revisited Vienna—a city that always feels like an old friend—and explored Linz with Luana, my high school friend. Girl, I hope you’ll complete your studies because I’m still left wondering about mine.
LinkedIn has remained a space for inspiration, learning, and connecting with fascinating people. January will mark four years since I started sharing my thoughts on research with all of you.
For the new year, I dream of:
Before wrapping up, I’d love to hear from you: What meetings, stories, movies, quotes, or ideas deeply resonated with you this year? Thank YOU for being part of this journey. ??