As 2024 draws to a close, Team AAE couldn’t resist the urge to look back at the rollercoaster of a year we’ve had. Between the highs, the lows, and the occasional what-on-earth-just-happened moments, we’ve ended 2024 with some life lessons that we’re taking straight into 2025.

Good people = glow up

This year, I learnt the ultimate glow-up secret: good people. They shift how you feel, how you handle challenges, and even how you carry yourself. The right people don’t just uplift you–they transform you, inside and out.

The universe knows best

“Everything happens for a reason” feels like a throwaway line at this point. But Ananya actually got it this year. Sometimes, the universe serves chaos, but if you trust the process (and breathe), it all makes sense eventually.

Saying NO

Let’s face it, saying “no” can feel like a cardinal sin, especially when the guilt creeps in. But this year, Pravika has learnt the power of those two little letters. Boundaries are her new best friend, and while saying no might still sting a bit, it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Book that trip

This year, Stuti ditched the “I should save” mentality and booked trips. She realised money spent on travelling is better than money saved. Was her bank account crying? Probably. Were the memories of sunsets, street food, and stunning views worth it? Absolutely.

Too nice isn’t always great

Being kind is great–until it turns you into a doormat. This year, Anshita realised that always putting others first often means being taken for granted. After a year of feeling walked all over, she’s working on embracing her baddie energy and standing up for herself in 2025.

Work hard, love harder

If 2024 taught Kavya anything, it’s that deadlines don’t laugh at your jokes or make memories with you. While work piled up, she found her happiest moments with family and friends, just vibing and connecting. Her mantra for 2025? Work can wait; the people you love can’t.

Pause, rest, repeat

Feeling burnt out or stressed? Sukhmani learnt it’s time to hit pause and focus on yourself. Whether that means going for a walk or taking a gloriously guilt-free nap, the world can wait. Your physical and mental health? Not so much. So in 2025, we’re saying goodbye to the grind mentality and hello to prioritising ourselves.

Growth all the way

This year was all about growth for Vrinda. She learnt that feedback might sting at first, but it’s usually not as bad as it seems. In fact, it can actually make you better in the long run. She also realised that people change (no amount of love or effort can freeze them in time), and sometimes the healthiest move is to let go. And her biggest takeaway? “Stop taking life so seriously, laugh when you can, and just enjoy the ride – you’ll end up where you’re meant to be!”

Peace over people

Like Pravika, Ravnoor also learnt that setting boundaries brings so much peace your way. No more putting up with bad behaviour and unwanted plans. This year, she threw NOs in people’s faces and that made her feel so liberated and at peace.

We’re armed with life lessons from 2024 that’ll (hopefully) make the new year a little brighter and a lot more fulfilling. We are ready to make 2025 our best year yet.

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Related: Best Moments Of 2024: Six Moments That Defined The Last 12 Months