Ah, the end of another year. Time to reflect on all the disasters, big and small, that life threw our way. From public blunders to private meltdowns, the moments that made us cringe also shaped us. It’s time to flip the narrative and find the hidden gold in the mess.

Let’s start with the faceplants—both literal and figurative. Maybe you botched a presentation, lost your temper at an inconvenient moment, or fell flat on your face in front of someone you were trying to impress. These moments, though awkward, make us human. They’re part of your charm and your story. Nobody trusts the person who never spills coffee on themselves. Celebrate your flaws; they’re relatable.

Then there are the career curveballs. If you faced setbacks like layoffs, missed promotions, or simply lost your way, consider this a cosmic nudge toward new opportunities. Maybe it’s time to pursue that quirky passion or side hustle you’ve been daydreaming about. The universe has a funny way of clearing paths, even if it feels like destruction at first.

Relationships also had their fair share of trainwrecks this year. Whether it was a breakup, ghosting, or toxic entanglements, these experiences are lessons in disguise. They help you recognize what you want and, more importantly, what you don’t. The next time you spot a red flag, you’ll know it’s not just a cute shade of pink.

And let’s not forget those days when you just couldn’t even. Days spent staring at the ceiling instead of conquering the world weren’t wasted. Rest is a radical act in a culture that glorifies nonstop hustle. You may not have reorganized your closet or ticked every item off your to-do list, but you survived. Breathing counts as progress, and that’s worth celebrating.

Every setback, misstep, and challenge this year served up lessons—even if they were disguised as disasters. Maybe you discovered strength you didn’t know you had or learned who really has your back. Perhaps you found joy in small things, like saying “no” to energy-draining obligations or “yes” to tacos. Growth is messy, but it’s always there if you look for it.

As you reflect on the past year, don’t just cringe at the disasters. Laugh at them, toast to them, and use them as fuel for the future. Being human—especially a wonderfully chaotic, ADHD-fueled one—means you’re adaptable and resilient. You screw up, you learn, and you move forward. Here’s to a new year filled with fresh mistakes, bigger laughs, and just enough duct tape to hold it all together. Cheers!