Connecting the Dots…
As the calendar flips to a new year, it’s hard not to pause and look back at the whirlwind that’s been the past three years of my life. This isn’t your typical motivational “new year, new me” kind of post—it’s an honest reflection on the highs, the lows, and the winding road that brought me to where I am now.
Steve Jobs once said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.” That resonates deeply with me as I reflect on how seemingly random choices and challenges have woven together to bring me here.
To say that I am where I want to be would be far from the truth; I still have much bigger dreams and plenty of energy left in me. But looking back makes me realize that those dreams are not unattainable—they are very real. The determination, manifestation, prayers, and hard work required to achieve them are not just helpful; they are absolutely necessary.
Three years ago, I made a decision that turned my entire life upside down. I left my home country, closed my business, packed one suitcase, and moved to a foreign country with my husband and our oldest daughter. We lived in a single bedroom, cramped but together, figuring out a new life. I was pregnant at the time, grappling with the fear of uncertainty while trying to keep the hope alive.
For the first year, I stayed home, living off savings while my husband navigated the challenges of acquiring a new business. I transitioned from being a business owner to a stay-at-home mom, a role I embraced but also struggled with. When the time came, I spent two years working alongside my husband, helping him get his business off the ground. But eventually, I realized I needed to step back to rediscover myself.
I quit and spent five months without a job. I applied to countless positions, often doubting if I would ever find something that felt right. During that time, I leaned into therapy, confronting my doubts and fears while exploring what I truly wanted out of life. Those months were heavy—they stretched me in ways I didn’t think possible.
But when I step back and reflect, I see more than just the challenges. In the past three years, we bought a house, supported my husband in growing his business, and I finally found a stable job while laying the groundwork for my personal goals.
This year is not about glossing over the hard times—it’s about acknowledging them. It’s about holding myself accountable for the choices I made, both good and bad, and being grateful for the lessons they brought me. It’s about recognizing the strength it took to pack that suitcase, face the unknown, and still find joy in the journey.
Looking back, I see how the dots connect in ways I couldn’t have predicted. Each step, no matter how uncertain, led to growth, resilience, and milestones I can now celebrate.
As I step into this new year, I’m not setting lofty resolutions or chasing unattainable ideals. Instead, I’m focusing on balance—acknowledging my losses, analyzing my strengths, and celebrating the milestones, big or small. Life isn’t perfect, but it’s mine, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
Here’s to a year of reflection, growth, and gratitude. May we all continue to find strength in the struggles and beauty in the chaos—and may the dots keep connecting, even when we can’t yet see the bigger picture.
By: Krisna Adrien
