As we stand on the threshold of a new year, we contemplate the experiences and insights that have molded us in the past year. 2023 was a chapter in our lives characterized by both triumphs and tribulations, each contributing to our personal growth and evolution. Now, as we welcome 2024 with open arms, we engage in self-reflection and set forth affirmations that will shape our path in the coming year.

We embark on a journey of introspection, exploring 24 profound lessons gleaned from 24 individuals’ experiences and the world around us. These lessons encapsulate the essence of our personal growth, resilience and aspirations, serving as guiding lights as we navigate the complexities of life. We delve into the significance of these affirmations and their empowering influence, as we seek to harness their positive energy to propel us forward.

1. I have learned the power of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. In 2024, I will approach obstacles with a positive mindset and embrace change as an opportunity for growth. Lastly, I have learned the significance of gratitude and appreciating the present moment. Moving forward, I will continue to practice gratitude daily and find joy in the little things. —Teddy Manuel, floral and event designer

2. 2023 has been a tough ride for many of us, and the biggest lesson that further strengthened me was the realization that things and circumstances fall into their right places when we surrender everything to the Lord.

The miracle of prayer, especially when it is done simultaneously by several people for a specific intention, is so powerful that we couldn’t even imagine its outcome. More often than not, the outcome is more than what we have even asked for.

In 2024, I hope to be able to bring this motivation of surrendering everything to Him, and remain grateful no matter what the circumstances will be.

I look forward to a better, brighter and bolder new year ahead. —Harold C. Geronimo, president, Public Relations Society of the Philippines

3. This year allowed me to reflect more deeply on what having a truly well-appointed life means. Our rediscovery of Juan Luna’s bust by Benlliure and its subsequent bequest to the Filipino nation built a lasting legacy for its former owners and for Salcedo Auctions. Ultimately, trust is earned, and you uphold that by living by your principles. —Ramon “Richie” Lerma, proprietor, Salcedo Auctions

4. The highlights of 2023 for me would be first and foremost the unveiling of Juan Luna’s “Hymen, oh Hymenée,” arguably the Holy Grail of Philippine art, which was unseen for the last 132 years, while my important life lesson for this year is giving more time to myself and doing especially the things I love most. In this way, I find more meaning and fulfillment. —Jaime Ponce de Leon, proprietor, León Gallery

5. The last three years of living in the pandemic brought so much fear to the surface. As we needed to live day by day, we sought survival first and later kept within our comfort zones.

Personally, I was never afraid to take risks, because I’m an aspirer and a big dreamer. But the uncertainty of the future made me pause, slow down and be too calculated—until I realized I needed to start somewhere and dare to step beyond comfort zones. I then decided 2023 should be the year to fully recover—to turn “what if” and “if only” into “I can, so I will.” And that made all the difference. Yes, the year was not without challenges, even arduous tasks. Yet through them all, either I won or learned a lesson.

Beyond the boundaries of being comfortable and confined were landscapes of milestones and opportunities worth the bold moves.

Going into 2024, I shall continue to live outside my comfort zone, without fear of the unknown. It is where creativity, innovation and progress thrive. Because there is no bigger risk than not taking a risk, and the fullness of success is on the opposite side of fear. —Chrissy Roa, group head of marketing and communications, Ayala Land Corporate, Estates and Malls

6. The lesson from this year that I’ll be taking with me into 2024 is that you should always be open to and have the courage to seize new possibilities. For the past few years, we were faced with having to figure out how to make it through a pandemic-afflicted world, and survival was really the main goal, both literally and figuratively. Now in the post-COVID world, a whole new set of challenges arose, including a resurgence in competition across all industries, rising inflation, global conflicts and more. But along came many exciting opportunities, too, both personally and from a business standpoint. It takes much initiative and resolve to take these opportunities and actualize them, while also surmounting the trials we face on a daily basis. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given and that I have decided to take despite challenges encountered, and will continue to make the most out of these in the coming year. —Ana Lorenzana De Ocampo, cofounder and CEO of Wildflour Café + Bakery

7. My voice always matters. —Miko Aspiras, award-winning pastry chef, Gelato by Chef Miko and Crown Street Kitchen by Chef Miko

8. I am blessed to know that the truest treasures are friends and family that show unconditional love. This I learned as I live with colon cancer, and this December, my caregiver stole my life savings (he would drug me and get the money through my phone). In two months, my life savings were gone. —Robert Alejandro, artist, Papemelroti and RAA Art & Design

9. Twelve years ago, I was diagnosed with a very rare autoimmune disease called Sjögren’s Syndrome. It’s not an easy journey, every day is a battle. The pain is real, but instead of feeling hurt and bad, I count my blessings in life. Every time I would like to give up, I find strength in my children, my family, my team and my friends. They give me a reason to fight, they give me a reason to move on. Instead of feeling sad, I try to look at the positive things in life. Being alive is a gift. So when you are facing problems in life, count your blessings. I’m sure there are a lot of things you can be thankful for. My life itself is a blessing and I really look forward to every day touching lives and helping people. Always remember, we have a bigger God. My favorite life verse is, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. —Pinky Tobiano, chemist, philanthropist, CEO of Progressive Laboratories and KPP Powers Commodities

10. Energetically (and astrologically) speaking, if 2023 was intense, 2024 will be even more so (until 2026). Purging times, calling for us all to live by the truths in our hearts and to rise to our Light. What helps is to clear and ground ourselves as often as we can. —Jeanette Patindol, children’s book author, “Diosa 101” writer

11. I hope this is the year we push back against our AI overlords. I hope more people find value in human-made art and AI helping us instead of taking over our jobs. I also hope more people understand the threat of AI in the art space instead of saying that “AI iS jUsT a ToOl.” In the meantime, I will just try not to have an existential crisis daily.—Avid Liongoren, director, Rocketsheep Studio

12. I have been a firm believer in things being either black or white, yes or no, go or no go. For me, the world seemed simpler and less complex in this way. There are no spaces in between.

Apparently, the middle ground, which we call the gray area, is a space where peace can also exist, a soft tricky spot where everyone is represented. The gray area is a place of compromise, where I set aside my conviction and beliefs and consider the values and point of the other party.

The gray area is a serene, delicate spot where no emotional argument occurs because both parties have contributed to its creation. Both parties are respected and listened to.

Recognizing the gray area is a symbol of humility. It proves that my opinion is not always the way to go. It allows other people to air their sentiments without the fear of being ridiculed, threatened or dismissed. Acknowledging the existence of the gray spot has minimized disengaged people and created a more amicable environment.

Seeking the gray spots takes courage because this is an admission that the world is more than just black or white. Gray exists for a reason. —Christopher Cachuela, CEO and founder, Avignon Clinic

13. 2023 was the first time I stepped onstage since 2017. It was a stark reminder of what I was deprived of by the pandemic. Although I found joy in other pursuits—cooking, baking, writing, sociopolitical advocacy, television and cinematic work—it took a younger kindred spirit like JC Santos to reawaken a passion I didn’t realize I had so missed. So, thank you, 2023 (and JC), for reacquainting me with my passion. —Bart Guingona, actor and director

14. I hit rock bottom in 2023, and it helped me become the strongest version of myself. I faced intense emotions and learned from my mistakes. Now, as we step into 2024, I promise to be kind to myself and transform setbacks into setups for success. This New Year, I’m embracing my flaws and using them to my advantage. No more dwelling on the past. I’m turning my mess into a message—that our best will look different every day, and there will always be a better version of ourselves; we just have to learn to embrace them.

Let’s make 2024 the year we learn to forgive ourselves, so we can shine unapologetically, scars and all—because our stories are unique, and we’re owning them! —Alvin James Cariño, senior PR specialist

15. I am truly thankful and grateful for the year 2023. It was a test of faith, strength and passion. There were still more accomplishments, good times and blessings. Despite the challenges and hurdles that came this year, giving up was never an option. It’s about always moving forward and believing that things happen for a reason. —Carmela Hidalgo Bocanegra, vice president for sales and marketing, Chroma Hospitality

16. 2023 felt like a very long year to me. I have always been the kind of person that likes to do a lot given a small amount of time. I sometimes feel down whenever I feel like I wasted my day. But then, I am not as energetic as I was when I was younger. I could have enjoyed my year more had I not overexerted myself, resulting in me wasting days being sick. I know my limits now, but I know what I want to do, and I know what I want to accomplish. I’ll be my old overachiever self, but I will take care of myself more and constantly remind myself to take a breather. Here’s to a productive but not tiresome 2024.—Carl Joseph E. Papa, writer-director of “Iti Mapukpukaw (The Missing)”

17. 2023 was the year when we started picking ourselves up from the pandemic and I’ve come to realize that no matter how bad the situation is, we must always remain optimistic and be stubborn in working for the better, and at the end of the day, everything will fall into place.—Steven Tan, president, SM Supermalls

18. The Philippine economy is reported to be the fastest-growing among the emerging economies in Asia. I’m hoping that trajectory continues for a long time. I’m also hoping that a lot of the trouble bubbling up in the world actually simmers down next year.—Mark Lewis Higgins, co-director, Slim’s Fashion and Art School

19. Things will have a way of working themselves out as long as you continue to pursue your passions. This year, I’ve been given a lot of opportunities, made possible by my pursuits. Challenges and hurdles have become stepping stones and avenues for me to express myself better as an artist. As long as you don’t lose sight of what you love, you’ll be given more than what you asked for. I bring with me to the new year more gusto for living. Never doubt that your path will lead to your dreams.—Gideon Hermosa, floral and event designer

20. As I reflect on the past year at Mind You, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the incredible resilience and adaptability our team has demonstrated. We’ve faced challenges head-on, adapting to urgent needs and continually evolving to meet the demands of those we serve. This adaptability has shown the remarkable capacity of the human mind and spirit to overcome and grow.

Our journey has been characterized by profound learning and innovation. The insights we’ve gained over the past three years have steered us towards continually innovating and improving our methods, making mental health care more accessible and effective.

Reflecting on the past year, I am deeply inspired by the compassionate community we’ve nurtured through our National Mental Health Summit, webinars, events, and livestreams. Moving forward, I am committed to strengthening these bonds and enhancing the support and care we offer by fostering deeper connections between individuals and experts.

As we enter the New Year, I am focused on sustaining and building upon the momentum we’ve gained, contemplating ways to expand our reach and impact. It’s crucial for us to keep learning and evolving, not just individually but as a community at Mind You. I look forward to a year of renewal, continued growth, and unwavering commitment to mental health.

Let’s make the New Year a testament to our collective pursuit of well-being and a brighter, healthier future for all.—Yuri Marshall, CEO, Mind You

21. Why let anyone dictate what you can and cannot do? Take matters into your own hands! #BeYourOwnBoss—Manolo ‘Chino’ Trinidad, journalist, Game On, Philippines

22. 2020 was a test. 2021 was about survival. 2022 was about appreciation. 2023 was about making the most of time.

It’s been a great year, and I can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store.—Josh Boutwood, chef and restaurateur

23. To be fearless—embracing the very things that hold us back. Now is the time to uncover uncharted territories and seize the heights of our potential.—Adam Pereyra, jewelry designer

24. One lesson I learned in 2023 that I want to bring into 2024 is the value of persistence and can-do optimism despite seemingly insurmountable odds. This factored heavily into my policy work as a legislator, my creative work as co-founder of Anakbanwa Creative Residency and Galila Arts Festival in Dagupan, and my theatrical work as a producer and artistic director for The Sandbox Collective. Allow yourself the space to let instincts come into play, especially if you believe in something with all your heart. The universe will conspire as long as you work hard for it.—Toff de Venecia, congressman of 4th district of Pangasinan and theater artistic director/producer