Something about December makes me want to reflect on the road traveled over the past 11 months. Growth and achievements over the past year are often overshadowed by current challenges and missed expectations. The cute guy I met on the plane didn’t turn out to be the love of my life, a group project at school didn’t earn a 100, I wasn’t chosen for every speaking engagement I wanted, and friends I thought were for life ended up being just for a semester with the same classes.
But maybe life isn’t about the heartbreaks, the could-have-beens, the forks in the road, or the unexpected twists and turns. Maybe it’s not about surviving the uneven road but finding meaning in every bump.
When I look back on this past year, I’m choosing to break the journey into four components: Milestones, Challenges, Lessons, and The Horizon.
Milestones are the moments and achievements that felt like key destinations, the places on the road trip where you ask, “Are we there yet?” These highlights often get overshadowed or forgotten as new challenges arise, but they’re the victories worth celebrating.
Challenges are the uneven roads, the construction zones causing delays, and the flat tires along the way. These moments tested patience and endurance, consuming your mind and sometimes defining your journey in ways that made you question your direction.
Lessons came with every unexpected twist and turn—when you took the road less traveled or had to change direction entirely. These detours often brought you closer to where you’re meant to be, even if they didn’t feel that way at the time.
The Horizon is the promise of new roads and adventures in the year ahead. The milestones, challenges, and lessons have shaped your path, opening up opportunities and untraveled roads. So, where are you headed next? Remember, the path ahead is unwritten, and we are waiting for you to create it.
One of my favorite milestones this year was being honored as a “2024 Young Innovator in Behavioral Health.” My mom flew to Phoenix, Arizona, with me, and it was filled with laughter and celebration. I also met Paris Hilton, who told me my dress was “chic,” which I will be telling everyone for the rest of my life. But the best part was that it forced me to reflect on all that led up to the moment. The suicide attempts that resulted in a nonprofit and the coping skills that resulted in 21,000 encouragement cards donated to psych wards and the publishing of 5 workbooks. All the pain fueled the purpose, the mission, and the impact that brought me to that stage.
Another milestone was adding three new states (Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Arizona) to my list of states I have spoken in. Three states closer to 50. My brother even came with me to Arizona, and he hugged and whispered, “I love you, Cesca. I am so proud of you.” When I finished speaking, something healed within me.
But then, I also had moments where expectations weren’t met, and the ideas I created in my head were not reflective of real life. I met a guy, called it a “meet cute,” and told everyone I knew that I met the love of my life (so a typical day in my life), but felt disappointed when he never wanted to commit to plans. I applied to a speaking engagement I didn’t get chosen for, and my confidence took a hit. But, at this moment in time, I don’t know where I want to live when I graduate, and I want to focus on my career, so maybe this was not the right time to meet the “love of my life.” I hope to be booked for speaking engagements where I am the right fit to offer value to the audience and make a difference.
Not every person or opportunity is meant for me—and I’m learning to embrace that. Opportunities and relationships I never imagined are on the horizon, waiting to unfold. This year was full of unplanned moments... and these moments, both good and bad, forged a new path that I cannot wait to travel this year.
Looking back feels like the best way to move forward. Celebrate the wins, acknowledge the challenges, revel in the lessons, and embrace the new horizons ahead. Life may be messy, but it’s as beautiful as it is chaotic—and the best thing I can do is travel my road at my own pace.
As I reflect on my year, I hope you’ll take a moment to do the same. What were your milestones this year? What challenges shaped your journey, and what lessons will guide you forward?
