“We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are."

Day 16 of the end of year review.

Photo by Alex Perez on Unsplash

“We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are." Anaïs Nin

That little line hits like a lightning bolt every time I read it.

The world isn’t some neutral, static thing—it’s a reflection of us, our thoughts, moods, and stories.

Two people can experience the exact same situation and come away with totally different takes.

Why? Because they’re bringing their own internal narratives to the party.

This isn’t about fluffy, Instagrammable positivity; it’s about paying attention to what you bring to the table of life.

How you see yourself, your relationships, your opportunities, your challenges—all of it is coloured by your mindset.

Now that we’re nearing the end of 2024, it’s the perfect time to reflect.

Look back at your thoughts, behaviours, and experiences this year.

Are there recurring themes popping up?

Do you always feel “left out” in social situations?

Do you notice yourself jumping to worst-case scenarios whenever something uncertain happens?

Maybe you’ve spent the year stepping into new opportunities and surprising yourself with your bravery—there’s a theme worth celebrating.

Here’s the thing: your patterns tell you a lot. They show you where you’re thriving and where you’re getting stuck. And the best bit?

You’re not trapped in them. Recognising a pattern gives you the power to change it.

So, try this exercise today.

1. Find the themes. Grab a journal or sit with a cup of tea and just think. What patterns—good or bad—kept showing up for you in 2024? Maybe it’s always saying yes to others at the expense of yourself. Or maybe it’s the opposite: you finally started setting boundaries, and it felt amazing.

2. Pick one positive pattern to carry into 2025. Maybe it’s speaking up more in meetings. Maybe it’s prioritising your health without apology. Or slowing down and appreciating the small stuff. Whatever it is, choose a pattern you want to see more of. Write it down. Commit to it.

Bring the right energy, the right intention into 2025, and watch how the world starts looking a little brighter, a little kinder, and a little more full of possibility.

What’s your positive pattern?