By Self-reflection is a necessary step towards planning the new year During a goal-setting session with a group of incredible women, I began to look back at what kind of year I’ve had. It hasn’t been the best year and was filled with heartbreak, burnout, and many vulnerable moments of tears. Nearing the middle of December, I’m not surprised at how exhausted and drained I feel. I had high hopes and dreams for 2021. But, I parked those desires aside. I made it my mission instead to save my mum’s life. Months of pain and turmoil followed her fateful cancer diagnosis in March 2021. The fighting spirit that was my mum’s nature dwindled. She knew her only way out of this was to accept the inevitable transition towards death, and that’s what she waited for patiently. Her wish was to rid herself of pain and suffering — and to rest in peace once and for all. That finally took place on August 29th 2021. As much as this broke my heart, part of my journey was to accept this fate myself. I had to find ways inside of myself to continue with my life — despite the sad realisation that my rock would not be by my side again. My mission had changed in an instant. Instead of survival, the focus was on making her transition as comfortable and peaceful as possible. Nothing could prepare me for this experience. It opened my eyes and heart to the scope of suffering patients and their families endure when diagnosed with terminal cancer.To say this was life-changing would be an understatement. My mum has blessed me in every way throughout the whole journey towards her death. Every moment of pain and suffering has led me to where I am right now. I feel that I can do and have anything to which I set my mind on achieving. I know that God has blessed my soul during what was initially the worst time in my life. I thank God and my mum for the spiritual awakening, which at first seemed like a large boulder blocking my journey towards success for 2021. I took the situation I was in and worked with all that I had within me at that time. It certainly wasn’t perfect, but I did my very best. Some moments were riddled with anger, frustration, hurt and I only wanted to lash out. Then other moments were filled with panic, anxiety and emotional heartbreak. Anythingand everything I could feel I did. But then, out of those moments where I didn’t know what to do, I came across some beautiful chance encounters at precisely the right time. This might seem a bit out there to those who are not believers in the spiritual realm. But, those human angels sent to me with messages of hope, guidance, friendship and love helped me keep on going. The universe or God wanted to help me out and knew this was extremely difficult. So they didn’t let me down when I needed them. I may have lost my wonderful mother, the person who was always there for me — but I gained many more beautiful friendships that put some of the broken pieces of my heart back together. How can anyone ask for more? Thank you, 2021 — I’m ready to say goodbye and take on another new leaf as the person I’ve now become.Thank you for listening. If you would like to read more articles like this or start writing your own, please sign up via my link. I’d love to see you on the other side.Sign up here for your medium subscription