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A Very Merry 2024

2024 in Review

It is no joke that time flies. Is it because I’m having too much fun, or is it truly moving faster?  Either way, 2024 is quickly coming to an end, and I found a Friday evening to do a little reminiscing on the year.  The theme this year? Hard to pin it. It was like hitting another gear of adulthood. I was thinking about what I wanted to write in the annual “review and outlook” post, and believe I settled on more of a fire-from-the-hip approach as the words pop up in my head.  Some little reminders and tidbits, if you will.

The List:
  • I held true to my 2024 goal of “pumping the brakes a little” and “quality over quantity”
  • Celebrated one year of marriage already, my sister’s wedding and another best friend’s wedding!
  • The family LOVED the Europe trip (and the Xmas photo book even more)
  • Mila’s mom visited the US for the first time, even with the current situation
  • Mila is also the most caring and toughest person I know
  • Making time to hang out with friends was rewarding (game nights, trying new things, sports, squad dinners, etc.)
  • Traditions are starting to really take hold (Friendsgivings, Epcot birthdays, Halloween Party, Chili’s trips, etc.)
  • Less phone time and scrolling has given way to more free time and opportunities
  • The exterior is painted, wet bar is in (big cocktail guy now) and home improvement is turning a corner
  • I’ve felt a lot less pressure to compete in non sport-related things
  • Maintaining a net-positive outlook truly changed my perspective of many things in 2024
  • Some things come naturally, other things I find I must put in what seems like more effort than before
  • I was positively surprised by reaching financial goals sooner than expected (compounding is impossible to perceive day-to-day)
  • This may have been the best holiday season yet with so much of the family together, and all so active

The Big Things

After taking some time to write out the bullet points and think it through, the true big things in 2024 is not a list. It was simply the people – friends and family.  I have to pat myself on the back a little for this, but I can clearly remember countless times this year putting time and energy (and sometimes complaining to Mila) into getting people together.  Sure, it was effort, and I could insert some quote here about “nothing worth having comes easy,” but honestly, it just had to be done. Having friends as a bigger part of my life this year made a significant difference.  Friends were brought together through parties, game nights, sports, and even silly things like GeoGuessr. It’s really turned into something special.

For Family, the highlights were the Europe trip, my sister’s wedding and Christmas.  Maybe it’s because it was the latest event and front of mind, but this year’s holidays were so much fun.  Seeing this many family members together at once, and especially the new generation, made me think about those early Christmas days where my cousins and I were running around the house like wild neanders and Christmas morning could not come soon enough.  This year, I could have blinked and it was over. But I tried my absolute best to cherish every day and moment, playing sports and games nonstop.  And for all that, we only had one picture above – but it says all I need to know.

Travel Plans

In 2024, the year was definitely slower than 2023 from a travel aspect, but at the same time, the trips we had were much more wholesome. I liked this approach and plan on doing mostly the same thing:

  •  Complete at least one more of the Lesser Antilles
    • Dominica
    • Antigua and Barbuda
    • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Ski With Family in Colorado
  • Get the family out of country again
  • Book an international trip with the squad
  • Have another amazing Friendsgiving

Writing it all out made me realize that 2025 could become a little less chill.  But each one is definitely doable, so that’s that. Locked in.

Outlook

Well, I wrote way more than I was expecting, but the thoughts kept flowing.  An outlook, and more importantly, a reminder for myself in 2025 will include a few notes. This will have to be written to my future self for full effect.

  • Build upon the relationships in 2024
  • Generally speaking, consciously put in work to take better care of yourself. Work is not more important.
  • Get back on the consistent diet and meditation routine
  • If you want to progress in something, actually practice and put in a little time, daily
  • Celebrate the things, no matter how small

Whew, so now go do that, future self!

Now I know earlier I mentioned some cliche quote, but I’m going to end with one. I re-watched my favorite animation show for no real reason, but blasted through it in one of my most serious binge sessions ever.  It’s been years since watching and I always pick up something new, or feel a different way.  This time around some quote came from a very small, forgettable character in the series, but it just hit me. So that’s how I’ll end things for 2024 – looking determined, with renewed focus into 2025!

Train with all your might, play even harder and enjoy life.

-ML

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Michael Lakus

IT professional, athlete, musician, ponderer of many things... Born and raised in Florida, I began traveling internationally after college. I created this site primarily to remind myself of where I've been and to share my experiences on traveling with a quirky, stress-free, travel attitude.
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