Thank you for 2024
Reading and writing. Watching and sharing. No matter how much I work on my mindset, I still beat myself up. In 2024, I spent a ridiculous amount of time on social media—watching content, sharing my own, and wrestling with that relentless voice inside my head telling me it was wrong. Wrong to spend so much time on social media. Wrong to let myself get caught in hours of doom scrolling. Wrong to let go and just consume.
Then one Thursday morning, as my weekly-45-minute therapy session was wrapping up, my therapist said something that stopped me in my tracks:
“You say you’re addicted, but think about what the word ‘drug’ means in English. Sure, it can mean something you’re hooked on, but it also means ‘medicine.’ When you go to a drugstore, you’re looking for healing. So, here’s my question for you: When is your social media consumption an addiction, and when is it a way you’re fulfilling a genuine need?”
Boom. That question hit me. Therapy this year has been all about drawing lines, finding truth, and learning to see things in the messy gray instead of the stark black and white.
As 2024 comes to an end, I’m taking stock. There’s so much I’m grateful for—the challenges I’ve overcome, the moments that stretched me, and the wins I never saw coming.
I made it to the European Parliament, helping a Eurodeputy build her social media presence. I got treatment for ankylosing spondylitis, which had been draining my energy for over a year. I signed my first freelance clients after Brussels and finally became financially independent, in control of my time. I was lucky to stay in my cousin’s apartment for a few months before moving back to my old place in Paris.
Modeling took off too. I signed with three agencies within months, lived in Milan for over a month, and even landed the cover of The Louscious thanks to Monsieur Kay. I was featured on Flanelle Magazine’s website and a French calendar sold at Fnac. A trip with the French Handball Federation took me to Berlin and another with the Moby Dick Hotel took me to Corsica, and freelancing brought me to Las Vegas for the Supply Chain and Logistics Expo.
I collaborated with brands like Uriage for their Cicadaily cream campaign and Trade Republic for their influencer campaign around the Mirror card. Every step felt surreal, like proof I’m building something meaningful.
And yet, there’s a part of me that still feels unsatisfied. Nebulous about what I want. And maybe that’s okay.
I crave control. Why? Because it makes me feel secure. Why? Because deep down, I’m not as confident as I want to be. Why? Because I haven’t figured everything out yet. Why? Because sometimes I’m too drained to even try. Why? Because I’ve chosen independence, and with it comes responsibility. Why? Because I want freedom. I want to chase every dream, make it big, be relevant, leave a mark. Why? Because I’m scared of death. Scared of fading into nothingness. Why? Because I want to be loved, recognized, and understood.
I got this idea of digging into the “why” from a Mel Robbins podcast. Podcasts have been a lifeline this year. Living alone in Paris in a dimly lit apartment, I’d throw one on while cooking, and suddenly, my mind felt nourished, my soul less lonely. Those voices in my ears reminded me that I’m not alone in figuring this all out.
But not all my habits were healthy. Sometimes I’d come home and spiral—answering Instagram comments, scrolling DMs, swiping on Tinder. It was like a drug, feeding my hyperactive need to avoid boredom. And even though I’ve identified this pattern for years, I still fall into it. The difference now? I’m starting to forgive myself.
I’m done beating myself up. I’m doing my best. And sure, reading and writing might be healthier “medicine” for my mind, but sometimes, I don’t have the energy for it. Sometimes, social media is the medicine I need. Maybe if I stop framing it as something bad, I can appreciate my life more and lean into where it’s naturally pulling me.
As the year ends, I want to wish you a great New Year’s Eve. I hope these reflections spark something in you—a thought, an idea, or maybe just a reminder that we’re all in this messy process together. Let’s create an environment where we can grow the habits that help us reach our goals, step by step, side by side.
December 31, 2024 @ 7:09 pm
I’m 72 and amazed at your awareness and insight into yourself. We never get perfect. Thank God. We muddling along learning and changing if we retain the courage for continuous improvement. Don’t push the River my friend. You are cruising just fine. 🙏🏼☯️
February 21, 2026 @ 12:50 am
Thank you for your comment. I often seek for clarity because without it I feel stuck.
December 31, 2024 @ 7:11 pm
Thanks you Leopold BEST year ❤️🙏
Happy new year
Greetings Estonia
February 21, 2026 @ 12:49 am
Thank you!
December 31, 2024 @ 7:13 pm
Keep shining Leo. You are doing great. You will be ok after all. Love Jose
February 21, 2026 @ 12:48 am
Thank you Jose!
December 31, 2024 @ 8:41 pm
Cher Léopold,
Ton combat contre l’addiction aux écrans et aux réseaux sociaux est admirable, et je voulais te dire combien je te soutiens dans cette démarche. Tu as déjà franchi une étape cruciale : la prise de conscience, et c’est là que tout commence.
Le chemin de l’addiction est souvent le même : une lune de miel où les écrans semblent inoffensifs, presque parfaits. Puis, peu à peu, on commence à reporter des choses importantes, à annuler des projets, à s’éloigner des amis, tout en sacrifiant parfois sommeil et santé. Ce piège peut paraître insurmontable, mais le déclic que tu as eu montre ta force et ta lucidité.
Ce que j’admire particulièrement, c’est ta capacité à utiliser des outils comme les « 5 pourquoi » une méthode que je connais bien je l’utilisais quand je travaillais dans le domaine de la qualité industriel. Ta capacité réfléchir profondément et à avancer. Tous ces voyages, toutes ces expériences que tu as partagées dans ton texte sont la preuve que tu es sur la bonne voie. C’est une avancée remarquable.
Sois fier de toi, Léopold. Fais-toi confiance et continue d’aller de l’avant. J’espère sincèrement que ton chemin t’emmènera encore plus loin et que tu pourras inspirer d’autres personnes avec ton histoire. Félicitation à toi, et sur ces quelques mots je te souhaite le meilleur pour cette année 2025, Thomas
February 21, 2026 @ 12:48 am
Merci beaucoup ! C’est vrai que c’est un sujet important aujourd’hui. Je suis heureux de travailler en association aujourd’hui pour apporter ce que je peux sur le sujet. C’est pas évident parce que tout est dans la nuance. Les écrans peuvent être un outil formidable si ils sont bien maîtrisés.
December 31, 2024 @ 8:52 pm
Hey Leo, I just read your latest article, this is a meaningful text with lots of thoughts as usual 🙌
Mel Robbins also have become a great friend for me this year – every Monday I was listening her podcast in the car during my weekly commute to work. And now I am reading her latest book and making notes on each page, I knew that this book is amazing but didn’t expect that this going to be that much❤️
I wish you and your family all the best this year!
February 21, 2026 @ 12:46 am
Thank you Alex! Really appreciate your comment. I’m glad to hear that Mel Robbins has a positive influence on you too!