The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

Is your life today what you pictured a year ago?

Let’s be honest for a minute. A year ago, we all had some kind of picture in our heads about where we’d be today. Maybe it was a detailed vision—stronger, healthier, richer, happier—or maybe it was a vague hope that things would “just be better.” But now, here you are. So, let’s ask the question: is your life today what you thought it would be?

If I look back a year, my answer’s simple: no. Not even close.

The Illusion of “Next Year”

We all do it, don’t we? Convince ourselves that time holds the answers. “In a year, I’ll have it figured out.” “Give me 12 months, and I’ll be on top of everything.” It’s comforting to believe that, but here’s the truth: life doesn’t care about your timelines. It throws what it wants at you—illness, disappointments, challenges you couldn’t plan for.

This past year tested me. Health, energy, focus—it all took a hit. I didn’t picture gaining inches on my waistline or losing parts of myself I thought were permanent, like beard hair and eyebrows. I didn’t imagine the weight of small things turning heavy when stacked together.

But here’s what I did find: clarity. Not the shiny, Insta-worthy kind, but the kind you earn when you realise life doesn’t owe you anything. It’s humbling when things don’t go to plan. And in a weird way, it’s freeing.

When the Picture Doesn’t Match the Canvas

A year ago, we had ideas. Goals. “I’ll write that book.” “I’ll lose weight.” “I’ll fix those relationships.” We set targets because it’s easier than admitting we’re just surviving most of the time.

But let me ask you something: why do we think we have that much control?

Plans are great, don’t get me wrong. But they don’t account for the real stuff—life interrupting with its lessons. This year taught me patience when I wanted to rush. It forced me to accept what I can’t change, like my body’s limits, and focus on what I can—how I respond, what I create, and who I choose to spend time with.

Did I picture this? No.

Did I grow? More than I thought.

Sometimes life’s wins aren’t obvious. They’re quieter. Like walking away from people who don’t respect boundaries. Finding strength in faith when everything else feels shaky. Learning to stop carrying weight that isn’t yours to bear.

Growth Doesn’t Always Look Like Progress

Here’s a hard truth: not every year will be a step forward. Some years are about standing still, holding on, or picking up the pieces. And that’s fine. Growth isn’t always about hitting goals; sometimes it’s about not falling apart.

I’ve spent years being hard on myself—thinking I need to be everything to everyone. This year, I started letting go of that. I gave time to my family, poured myself into writing, and tried to appreciate the small wins instead of chasing some “big moment” that never came.

So, Where Does That Leave Us?

If you’re asking yourself this question—“is this where I pictured being?”—don’t beat yourself up if the answer is no. Life’s not a straight line. It’s messy, unpredictable, and rarely goes the way you think it will. But that doesn’t mean you’re not exactly where you need to be.

Maybe this year wasn’t about achieving; maybe it was about learning. Maybe it was about surviving things you didn’t think you could, or realising you’re stronger than you were 12 months ago.

So, no, my life today isn’t what I pictured a year ago. But it’s real, it’s mine, and I’m still here—still showing up, still learning, still trying to get it right. And honestly, that’s enough for me.

What about you? Did you see this coming? If not, don’t worry maybe the trick is to stop predicting and start living.