The Internal Glow Up of 2024
It’s been a minute since I’ve written here, five years to be exact.
This year, something happened to me. Something deep in my bones, in my blood—an energy, a collection of old beliefs, something I needed to move through.
It was a year of getting to the other side. Crossing the bridge. And saying it all out loud.
From the way I eat, and move to the energetic ranking I’m aware of before and after I’m with certain people… 2024 was an emotional growth spurt.
Or it might be the year I’ve been most conscious of my growth—maybe it’s a sober thing, maybe it’s a getting older thing.
I’ve come to realize growth is a constant funeral, baptism and wedding of sorts.
There’s the inevitable death of an old you. Some people won’t like that. I faced this when I first got sober, six years ago.
Often, people want you to stay the way they know you. To them, you’ll suddenly feel foreign. Just keep going.
It’s a baptism in that while you have experience, a story you’ve already lived….you’ve also reached a rebirth. You made it to the Emerald City and there’s a blank canvas sitting in front of you waiting for you to create Act 2. You got to the next level. Welcome.
Then there’s that internal marriage—experience, the present, and the future—all converging into one. Mixed media. Thumbprint. Your curiously unique story.
Even if everyone you see on the street has an algorithmically predicted slicked-back bun, Stanley cups, and matching Summer Fridays lip glosses—what you want, who you are, and how you grow, that’s all up to you.
So, as I reflect on the past year, how I did things differently?
Below my biggest takeaways.
May 2025 show me something different.
The old with the unlimited.
Day 1.
Feeling Vs Looking: I stopped obsessing over how my life “looked” and shifted my focus to “how does it feel?”. With everything that I pursue, it’s more about that feeling.
Allow Yourself Time In The Magic Dark: I joined the To Be Magnetic program, recommended to me by two friends, which delves into the neurological ways to manifest. What fascinated me in the program, is the concept of a period called the Magic Dark. It’s that moment when you start to make progress on your goals and calling in what you truly desire… and then… crickets! When this happens, it’s easy to feel desperate and paddle back to our old selves. But what you really need to do is double down and understand that this is just the natural ebb and flow of life. Push through this period and don’t let it derail you back to the old.
Media Diet: Your diet isn’t just about nutrition. It encompasses what you listen to, read, watch, and the company you keep. You’re constantly absorbing and digesting it all, so pay attention. I really am trying to do my best to not brain rot in the attention economy we’re living in, and read, listen, and watch things that light me up instead.
Being “Sober Sober”: I don’t drink alcohol, I don’t smoke marijuana, and I don’t do drugs—they don’t work for me. No matter how many trendy sobriety options pop up, which feels more and more like a Starbucks menu, the only type of sober that makes me feel my best and look my best, is “sober sober”. Clean, no substances—simple as that.
People, Energy, Leveling Up: In 2024 I began rating my energy with a number before and after I spend time with someone. It seems simple. But try it. Pay attention to who supports you, cheers you on as you accomplish your goals, and genuinely wants you to level up. Notice who simply watches. That goes both ways—support those who are trying something new, who need encouragement, and who are growing. All we can do is uplift one other. Rather than letting envy or jealousy creep in—if you notice someone achieving what you desire, ask them how they did it instead of judging behind a screen. That conversation might just change your life.
Asking Yourself, What Is This Teaching Me, Rather Than Why Is This Happening To Me: It’s all perspective
Health: I elevated my health and wellness by working with a professional, Dr. Amanda Kahn.
We overhauled my nutrition, supplements, longevity meds, shifting my focus to getting stronger via muscle- building workouts.
Protein & Whole Foods: It would be remiss for me to say that I didn’t change my nutritional focuses this year. Here’s what works for me. First and foremost, lean protein. Whole foods instead of meal replacements and portion control are my guiding stars. This doesn’t happen every day, nor should it. But when I’m at home, cooking my own meals, and mindful of what I’m nourishing myself with, it becomes quite straightforward: protein, veggies, and fruit. For those hectic days, I keep snack bars like apple & strawberry fruit bars from Trader Joe’s and Jones Bar bars handy. No dairy. That’s really it.
Steps: Walking vs running. My daily goal is rather modest, 6,000 to 7,000 steps a day, but I’d rather keep my goals achievable. These steps not only help me sleep better but also clear my mind.
Solo Travel: In 2024, I truly explored the art of traveling alone—twice in Miami, Costa Rica, and Greece! Each trip awakened something profound within me—a true sense of adventure. There’s a freedom in discovering new places, sitting quietly in unfamiliar surroundings, and asking yourself the big questions about what you really, really want.
Giving Less Of A F: I know this comes with age. But yeah. I’ve adopted Mel Robbins’ prolific “Let Them” theory, which embodies the power of letting go of control. All you can control is your actions and reactions. Do what you want, because this time here on Earth is so short. LIVE IT UP!
Saying Your Dreams Out Loud: This has been invaluable—and is the reason this year was a personal success for me. This might be a quirk of mine, but when I articulate my goals, write them down and say them out loud, it holds me more accountable rather than just thinking about it. Some say, “Show me rather than telling me”, but I find that vocalizing my aspirations and dreams garners not only positive energy but supportive momentum from those around me.
Until, next time.
xxMEE