Reflecting on a Year of Growth and Learning

Hello, everyone! It’s been over a year since my last update on Academic Pitstop, and I appreciate your patience as I navigated an incredibly full and challenging year. Between career transitions, personal growth, and some major life changes, it’s been quite a journey!

Navigating Change and Learning New Skills

Late last year, I received a promotion and transferred to a completely new role at work. Stepping into unfamiliar territory was both exciting and overwhelming; it challenged me to embrace a steep learning curve, adapt quickly, and develop new skills at a rapid pace.

This year taught me – once again! - that learning doesn’t stop after formal education. It’s an ongoing process and sometimes it’s the transitions in life that become our greatest teachers. Every time I think that I have done my learning, years like this keep smashing into my lap!

Good thing is, research shows that learning new skills, especially in adulthood, boosts cognitive function and enhances resilience. For those going through similar transitions, take heart: growth often requires stretching beyond our comfort zones.

Focusing on Self-Care and Health

During these busy months, I found myself craving balance. I began meditating regularly, which has helped me manage stress, improve focus, and stay grounded. There’s plenty of evidence to support how beneficial meditation can be for mental health, and I look forward to sharing more about my meditation journey soon.

Additionally, I became (almost) vegan to prioritize my health and surprisingly helped me me to get back to my beloved exercise – running – when my back aches disappeared!

Balancing Work with Family and Personal Projects

On top of work and personal development, I also tackled some home improvement projects, visited my home country and saw all my loved ones, and even experienced the joy of babysitting my first grandchild. Reflecting on all of this, it’s clear that the demands on my time were substantial.

In times like this, when life throws a lot our way, it’s essential to focus on what truly matters and prioritize our well-being. I learned that we can’t pour from an empty cup—trying to do too much only leads to burnout.

Sometimes, we have to let go of the non-essentials and give ourselves permission to rest, recharge, and do what’s most important. Taking care of ourselves is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity that allows us to show up fully for the things and people we value most.

Looking Ahead: Book Progress and Facing Fears

Now that life has settled down a bit, I’m back to one of my long-term goals: finishing my book. I’ve spent years writing it in between other responsibilities, and now I’m finally in the proofreading stage. While the thought of sending it to publishers is daunting, I’m excited to take this step and look forward to sharing more about the process with you. For anyone pursuing a big goal, I hope my experience serves as a reminder that persistence pays off—even if progress is sometimes slow.

Thank you for being here, and for your understanding. I’m thrilled to be back and can’t wait to dive into new content and ideas with you all. Here’s to more learning, growth, and shared journeys on Academic Pitstop!