Saying yes to courage doesn’t mean doing something with complete confidence or without fear. Courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s moving forward despite it. It’s saying yes to the things that matter to you, even when doubt whispers otherwise.

I’ve done a little bit of travelling in my 20s, but I’ve always had this deep desire to see more of the world, its beauty, its magic, and all the cultures that make it so fascinating. Travelling isn’t just about ticking countries off a list; it’s about meeting new people, learning different customs, and experiencing life in ways we never imagined.

Image credit: Screenshot from Kylie Jenner’s official Instagram (@kyliejenner)

Jasmine Tookes walks the runway during the Victoria’s Secret Show 2025. Photo by George Chinsee / Getty Images, via Harper’s Bazaar.

Peace is the ultimate goal for personal growth because it calms the mind in the middle of life’s storms. When challenges arise and the world feels heavy, nothing empowers you more than inner peace. With peace, anxiety softens, depression eases, and life begins to feel lighter. It allows you to walk with confidence, knowing that whatever comes, you will be okay.

I have always had a love for writing poetry. For about four years I committed to it fully and discovered so much about the art of words. There is the traditional textbook way of writing poems and then there is the freer heart led style of prose and free verse which is where my voice feels most alive.

Image credit: photo by Mert and Marcus/ courtesy of Republic Records, via NPR

I’m turning 25 next month and it’s made me feel uneasy. There’s this unspoken pressure that by now I should have it all together,  to know exactly who I am, where I’m going, and what my life is supposed to look like. The truth is, I don’t. I feel as lost and unsure as anyone else.

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In life, I’ve noticed that many people often search and spend their whole lives seeking validation from others, whether it’s to feel a sense of belonging, to affirm experiences, realities, or to find a sense of themselves. But how often do we seek validation from ourselves? How often do we take the time to ask, what do I truly want? What do I genuinely care about? Why does the voice of others matter more to me than my own?

Have you ever felt so unnoticed, unwanted, or undesirable, like a background character in life?

Happy New Year!