Well usually, like every year, I sit down to write something for my birthday. This year it is the same thing, but on website as well. A whole year passed—not just a number is added to my age. But new experience, new learnings, self reflection, good and bad moments…. A lot has happened this year.

Turning 24 feels different. This was the year that I realised that I’m not a careless adult anymore—I’m someone trying to understand life one mistake at a time.

When I turned 23, I moved to Studentendorf, surrounded by a whole floor of people who somehow became friends overnight. We hung out constantly, laughed too much, cooked together, survived deadlines together—I learned what friendship actually feels like. But even then, I was scared of social situations. I always hesitated when it came to making friends or enjoying life freely. I wished I could stay consistent with work, studies, reading, walking… all the small routines that make life feel balanced.

One of the biggest twists this year was leaving Marburg (my certified Hell-Hole™) and moving to Paderborn. New uni, new city, new chapter—Keine Vergangenheit. P.S: Let’s just say Marburg gave me enough drama for two chapters: random things people said to my face, communication that fell apart like Jenga blocks, and decisions I still overthink. But those chapters are closed now—archived, sealed, and not for re-reading

This year surprised me more than I expected. I learned that I’m an oversharer. I ghost people when the vibe feels wrong. I realised communication is something I need to handle more gently. Some lessons came harshly—learning to slow down, speak softer, listen better. Others came softly—understanding that life removes things you don’t need, even when it hurts or feels unfair in the moment.

I realised I speak fast, feel fast, move fast—and that speed makes me inconsistent. I give too much of myself even when I don’t have the energy for it. I jump into conversations with intensity and then lose interest just as quickly. Accepting this was painful, but it made me understand myself better.

I discovered a strange strength in myself—I can be soft when it matters, and firm when I need to protect my peace. But I also faced my weaknesses: social anxiety, poor time management, and my lifelong war with finishing books.

24 carries its own hopes. Adventures, new opportunities, new friends, new travels, a finished master’s degree, and a few surprises along the way. I want to stay kind-hearted, calm, non-toxic—just with better boundaries, quieter reactions, and more respect for my own energy.

And of course, thank you to the people who held me together this year: Mummy, Papa, Hitarth, Bhabhi, Bauerbach Buddies, Echo Chamber, Etage-1 Jung Stilling Haus, Mayur, Manan . You made the hard days lighter than you know.

I would like to end this blog with last line “This year I let go of the people who disturbed my peace. Not because I disliked them, but because I finally understood that peace is a responsibility, not a luxury.”

I also learned to say goodbye in many languages this year:

Aavjo, Tschö, Adíos, Ciao, Güle Güle, До свидания, ნახვამდის.

Best Regards / M.F.G,

Dheirya (Dee)