Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Prize-winning Pakistani social activist, took to Instagram to reflect on the lessons she learned throughout 2024. In a heartfelt post shared with her followers, Malala expressed her gratitude for the experiences and insights gained over the past year, along with photos and videos highlighting various moments of her life.
“As the year draws to a close, I am grateful for every lesson and memory I’ve gained in 2024,” Malala wrote, sharing her reflections on the year. “Here are a few lessons that stood out.”
The first lesson Malala shared was related to her physical health. She recalled setting a goal in January to run on the treadmill for an hour without stopping, a challenge that seemed impossible at first. “When I started, I could only run for 2 or 3 minutes,” she wrote. “But I kept going almost every week. Then, in September, I stepped on the treadmill and ran for a full hour without stopping. I felt like I could keep going. What started as a struggle is now a source of strength for both my physical and mental health.”
The second lesson Malala shared centered around the importance of having a supportive life partner. She expressed her gratitude for her husband, Asir, and the joy he brings into her life. “I love having my life partner Asir by my side, in big celebrations and quiet moments,” she wrote. “He spreads happiness wherever he goes and helps me see the world in a new way.”
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Malala’s third lesson focused on the value of friendship. She acknowledged how challenging it can be to spend time with friends who live in different cities and are often busy with their careers, education, and families. Yet, despite these challenges, she cherishes the moments they share. “I am so grateful for my kind, supportive friends,” she wrote. “Whenever we get together, even for just a few hours, it feels like we pick up right where we left off. I’ve collected a treasure of long dinners and late-night gossip with them.”
For her fourth and final lesson, Malala turned her focus to the strength and resilience of Afghan women and girls. She shared how deeply inspired she was by the courage of Afghan students, athletes, activists, and filmmakers fighting against the oppressive Taliban regime. “Seeing Afghan women and girls around the world raising their voices in the struggle for education and equality has been the most inspiring part of my year,” Malala wrote. “It is our hope that we will continue to hold the Taliban accountable for their crimes and support efforts to bring education and equality to all Afghans.”
In closing, Malala offered a hopeful prayer for the coming year: “May the year 2025 be filled with love, friendship, and good health for all of you. May peace and justice be promoted in every corner of the world.”
