Ariana Grande looks back on a difficult year in her life with complete gratitude.
In a new Instagram Story post, the singer-songwriter expressed how grateful she is for the past year, from the opportunities she’s had to the people she’s met.
The upload contained a photograph of the Queen on a pink piece of paper. In front of him, Grande wrote her message in black and white text.
Ariana Grande Is ‘Serious’ With Ethan Slater, Has ‘A Very Normal Relationship’: Source (Exclusive)
“one of the most transformative, challenging, yet happiest and most special years of my life,” Grande, 30, wrote. “there were so many beautiful yet polarized feelings.”
“I’ve never felt more at the mercy and acceptance of what life wants to teach me. I’ve never felt more fulfilled or present in my work, being able to appreciate every moment,” she continued.
She added, “I’ve given everything I could give of my heart and myself to the projects I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of and learned so much from every brilliant, beautiful soul I’ve had the opportunity to create art with and cross paths with this close.”
On December 29, Ariana Grande posts a 2023 refection on her Instagram story.
Ariana Grande/Instagram
Ariana Grande takes a nap in the studio on the last days of recording her new album: ‘So tired, but so grateful’
In the post, the “7 Rings” singer also said she’s felt an abundance of pride and love this year, despite the negativity she’s received from people making assumptions about her life. “I learned how one of those things is more important than the other,” she explained.
“I listen to myself and trust myself, even when fear or trauma tells me not to,” she continued. “I only react to things that deserve my energy and remove and protect myself from things that don’t.”
Grande concluded the post by wishing her fans a happy new year. She also reminded them that “if you ever feel misunderstood or alone, just remember that it will pass.”
Grande has recently been in the spotlight for her relationship with Ethan Slater. After meeting on the set of the upcoming film adaptation WickedThe costars developed an off-screen romance.
Their relationship, which PEOPLE first confirmed in July 2023, began after Grande’s split from her husband Dalton Gomez and Slater’s split from his wife Lilly Jay.
In December, a source told PEOPLE that things were “serious” between Grande and Spamalot actor, 31. “Ariana is serious with Ethan,” they said. “She loves being with him.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater Relationship Timeline
The insider added that while the couple “do go out occasionally” while Grande puts the finishing touches on her upcoming album, they “mostly enjoy staying in. It’s a very normal relationship.”
On December 23, the couple was pictured together on one of their first outings together.
The singer and Broadway star were snapped during a night out in New York. A source close to Grande told PEOPLE that they dined with her father, Ed Buter, at her family’s favorite Italian restaurant before seeing Slater at Spamalot.
Grande wore an all-black ensemble with a fur hat, mini skirt and black top with fur cuffs. Meanwhile, Slater opted for a more athletic outfit with a zip-up, joggers and running shoes.
They like to support each other in their work, the source said. – When she’s done with work, Ariana likes to go to the theater when she can.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education