Category : Articles

Sub Category : relationships

What Have You Achieved This Year?

By Silindile OkaMaDlamini Hlongwa

There are moments in life when we all need someone to hold us tight and whisper, "Everything is going to be alright, my child." I know this because I've been there. Through years of hustling, when everything seemed to slip away, I longed my grandmother's embrace, that gentle hand patting my back; those soft words of encouragement that could make the world feel right again.

In my culture, we have a saying: "Abaqale okusha mabaqhubeke kahle" - those who started anew may continue bloom. This isn't just about starting over; it's about carrying hope forward. Our elders understood that sometimes we need to hear these words of courage from someone who has walked the path before us.

That's why I'm writing to you today, Unknown.

Let's talk about your year of 2024. Maybe you didn't get everything you wanted - and that's okay. Really, it is. Some days were hard. Some dreams didn't come true yet. But look at you - you're still here, still breathing, still trying.

Think about the small wins. Did you get up each morning? That's strength. Did you help someone smile? That's beautiful. Did you learn from a mistake? That's growth.

Maybe you failed some tests. Maybe a job said no. Maybe a relationship ended. But failure isn't the end - it's just a step on your path. Every "no" is leading you to your right "yes."

As 2025 approaches, remember this: your story isn't over. Each new day is a fresh page. Your dreams don't have an expiry date. You can start again, try again, and hope again.

To those who feel tired - rest, but don't quit. To those who feel lost - it's okay to take a new path. To those who feel stuck - small steps forward are still steps forward.

What matters isn't how many times you fell in 2024, but how many times you got back up. And in 2025, you'll get up again. You'll try again. You'll grow again.

Today, I want to be that voice of encouragement for you - the one I sometimes needed in my darkest moments. Consider this a virtual embrace, a gentle reminder that you are stronger than you know.

Keep going. Keep trying. Keep believing. Your future self is cheering you on.

With hope and faith in you, 
Silindile OkaMaDlamini Hlongwa.