Sacred Musings: December 2024
24 Things I Learned in 2024
Bonjour à tous et à toutes,
One year ago, I was in the midst of unpacking my bags after a holiday trip to the UK with my family. I had the stroke of an idea and immediately unwrapped a gift I’d purchased for myself — a Liberty of London Ianthe notebook (my favorite place to write my thoughts, for what it’s worth). I scribbled “SACRED MONSTER (?)” on that blank first page, and here we are.
In September 2023, I had a reading with a wonderfully blunt astrologer. She took one look at my chart and said this: “2025 could be the craziest year of your life, so spend 2024 learning and preparing for it.”
I’ve taken her words to heart, and as such, would love to share with you all a good ol’ listicle: 24 Things I Learned in 2024.
Everything works out on its own time, but only if you keep your side of the street clean.
The more someone has in their pocketbook, the more you may have to bug them to open it to support your work. On the flip side, the broke, starving artists in your life won’t hesitate to pay you to feed their mind. (They know that the sexiest thing you can be is well-read!)
Support comes in many, many, many, many, MANY different forms, most of which — and who from — will come as a surprise.
You never know who has their eye on you ...
… and you never know which random yes-es could lead to opportunities beyond your imagination.
Things don’t just happen without putting in the hard work; however, the flowers borne from the seeds you’ve sown and watered may surprise you.
Invest in your business. Invest in yourself. There is no glory in spreading yourself too thin.
Play your cards close to the chest. Mal de ojo is, unfortunately, all too real and may come from those you’d least suspect.
Your gut is never wrong.
Fear is, indeed, the mind-killer — if something scares you, run towards it.
Just send the email/text, cold or otherwise.
Do the thing you’ve been meaning to do, even if it’s done imperfectly. The best time to start was, as they say, yesterday.
Don’t pickle anything — that is, drink the nice bottle you’ve been saving, crack open that tin of fish from Spain your friend bought for you, wear the fancy vintage dress to dinner tonight, et cetera et cetera. Today is occasion enough!
It’s not easy to make friends as an adult, but it’s not hard, either, if you let go of your ego. We are all human and want to feel wanted; hitting up new acquaintances to hang out will always make that person feel good.
Unfortunately, the woo-woo girlies made some points when they said “What is for you will not miss you.”
Let them. That’s all.
You are the only person who is under your own control.
Unfortunately, the TikTok girlies made some points when they said “You can’t get to the land of cool without climbing cringe mountain.” Take credence in that comment you read in which someone aptly said “I’m not afraid to be seen as trying.”
Do not be afraid to turn down those who blatantly undervalue you. As Nicki Minaj once said, “Had I accepted the pickle juice, I would be drinking pickle juice right now.”
More people than you would think are woefully under- or un-prepared, even at the highest levels, at the most prestigious of institutions. Keep it in mind, use it to your advantage, and always remember that we’re all just human beings trying to get through the day.
Drink more water.
Working your muscles — physically, spiritually, mentally — makes you really, really, sexy.
Unfortunately, literally everyone who has uttered the words “stay true to yourself” made some points.
Having fun is never, ever underrated!
Finally, I’d like to leave you with a recommendation. Never before has the Great Music Supervisor in the Sky given me a better needle drop in a moment I most needed it, than when “U Should Not Be Doing That” by the incredible Aussie punk band Amyl and The Sniffers came on my shuffle during a particularly trying day. I’m obsessed with the song, I’m obsessed with the band, the lyrics are already tattooed on my brain, and I’m taking them as my personal mantra as I move through the next year.
à très bientôt, and happy 2025,
Chloë Helen America Cassens