2024 Year in Review: Personal Growth, Travel Highlights and New Beginnings

Year in Review 2024: Growth, Challenges and Gratitude

December 27, 20246 min read
Reflective portrait of a woman with 2024 overlay, symbolizing a year in review, personal growth and achievements

Year in Review 2024: Growth, Challenges and Gratitude

Introduction

2024 was a big year for me. Full of firsts, ups and downs, and some pretty meaningful wins. I launched my first online course, travelled to amazing places, questioned who I was at times, and came out the other side with more trust in myself, more gratitude and a stronger faith. It wasn’t always easy. There were moments of emotional crisis, a (temporary) breakup, and transitions that tested me, but I’m proud of how I handled it all. I came through stronger, more grounded, and much closer to God <3

This year also challenged me to balance personal growth with my professional life. I fully embraced freelancing, made bold investments in my business and worked hard on my emotional and spiritual health. It was also a year of little wins that made a big impact, like getting surprise flower deliveries or taking a short trip with my dad to reconnect. I learned to appreciate what is, not just chase what could be. Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come, looking forward to what’s coming up and grateful for everything 2024 brought me.


Big Topics and Highlights of 2024

Maria Maklakiewicz holding a SOMBA Kickstart certificate of completion, celebrating achievement in an online business program.

Fully Embracing Freelancing

The year started with a big leap. I stepped into freelancing full-time for the first time ever. It was exciting and a little nerve-wracking. Freelancing wasn’t just about professional freedom; it brought its share of emotional highs and lows too. Then, in September, I decided to add a bit of stability to the mix and took on a full-time teaching job at a high school where I got a good offer. Balancing both freelancing and a full-time role isn’t always easy, but I’m pulling it off. I grew my income, learned a lot about what I can(‘t) handle and became better at finding a rhythm that works for me.

"Marble sculpture of the Virgin Mary surrounded by angels, with intricate details and radiant beams in a religious setting

My Spiritual Journey and Novena to Our Lady of Pompeii

This was also the year I deepened my relationship with God. I attended a spiritual retreat in Loretto (Poland) and completed my first-ever 54-day Novena to Our Lady of Pompeii—something that’s since become a regular part of my life. Tuning more into God’s message has helped me during some of my tougher moments this year and reminded me of what really matters.

"Four people posing on a snowy waterfront with New York City skyline and Hudson River in the background under a bright winter sky

Major Travels and Firsts

This year I did a lot of what I enjoy the most: travel. I visited Canada and New York for the first time, where I could reconnect with my best friends. I spent quality time with another bestie in Basel and caught up with my cousin in Zurich during a trip to the SIGRUN Live event in Switzerland. Spain became my second home with 5 trips there this year, including some enjoyable time spent with my partner’s family. Albania was another highlight! It marked the 50th country I’ve visited, and sharing the experience with my partner made it extra special. The year was rounded with short trips and retreats across Poland.

Promotional banner for free online face yoga course: 'Look Young with Face Yoga,' featuring a 7-minute beauty routine in 4 weeks with a woman demonstrating a facial massage.

Launching My First Online Course

Professionally, one of the biggest milestones was launching my first online face yoga course. After completing the Kickstart business program, I turned my passion into a reality. Seeing those first sales come through felt incredible and it marked a huge step forward in my journey as a natural anti-aging expert. This was just the beginning and I can’t wait to build on it in 2025.

Banner with 'This pain is only temporary' on a building balcony

Overcoming Emotional Challenges

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. I hit some emotional rough patches this year, including a period of depression, a lot of self-doubt and a temporary breakup. But through it all, I stood up for myself, found the necessary strength and made choices that served me, such as deciding to quit drinking. It wasn’t easy, but as they say, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.


Other Beautiful and Special Moments in 2024

Beyond the big highlights, there were so many little moments that made this year feel special:

  • Celebrating as both of my brothers got engaged.

  • Receiving flowers by post for the first (and second!) time—a simple but sweet surprise.

  • Enjoying a stronger bond with my mum.

  • Reconnecting with my dad on a short but meaningful trip.

  • Filming my second face yoga course.

  • Having my Kickstart buddy Nadia visit me in Poland.

  • Celebrating my partner’s and brother’s confirmations.


My Conclusion of 2024

This year taught me so much about resilience, trust and looking for joy even when things don’t go as planned. I’m proud of how I pushed through challenges, improved my health, grew my business and prioritized my spiritual journey. I launched my first online course, travelled to amazing places and reconnected with the people I love. It was a year of growth—messy at times but always worth it.


First Times in 2024

Some of the most memorable moments came from trying new things:

  • Visiting Canada and New York.

  • Attending my first business conference in Switzerland.

  • Launching my first online course.

  • Completing my first Novena.

  • Quitting alcohol.

  • Getting my first sculpted birthday cake (it was almost too pretty to eat!)


The Most Important Lessons 2024 Taught Me

  • God comes first.

  • Don’t lower antidepressant intake in the autumn—lesson learned!

  • Things have a way of working out, even when it doesn’t seem like they will.

  • Being enough matters more than constantly chasing more.


My Motto for 2025

“What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. So now I'm f***ing invincible!”


My Outlook for 2025

What I Will Do Differently (or Better) in 2025

In 2025, I want to leave more space for rest, take better care of myself, go out and enjoy life more, and trust God to guide me through whatever comes my way.

The Big Project I Will Tackle in 2025

I’m excited to perfect my sales funnel, launch new courses, set up my new website and shop, and help my students ace their Matura exam in Spanish. There’s so much to look forward to!

How You Can Work With Me in 2025

If you want to work with me, here’s how:

  • Book a 1:1 online consultation (face yoga, self-massage and skin health).

  • Let me organize a workshop/masterclass for your company or yourself, either online or in Warsaw.

  • Download my freebie and take “The Busy Beauty's 5-Day Face Yoga Mini-Course”.

  • Explore my favorite natural cosmetics and supplements in my online shop.

  • Sign up for my next live course that will launch in 2025.

Back to Blog