Ariana Grande Reflects on 'Challenging' Year and Lessons Learned After Being 'Deeply Misunderstood'

"One of the most transformative, most challenging, and yet happiest and most special years of my life," the '7 Rings' singer wrote on Instagram

Ariana Grande is looking back on a rocky 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'd met.

The upload featured a photo of a queen on a pink piece of paper. In front of it, Grande wrote her message in black and white text.

Related: Ariana Grande Is 'Serious' with Ethan Slater, Has 'Very Normal Relationship': Source (Exclusive)

"one of the most transformative, most challenging, and yet happiest and most special years of my life," Grande, 30, wrote. "there were so many beautiful and yet polarized feelings."

"i've never felt more at the mercy of and in acceptance of what life was screaming to teach me. i've never felt more fulfilled by or present in my work, being able to cherish every moment," she continued.

She added: "i gave everything i could have possibly given of my heart and of myself to the projects i was fortunate enough to be a part of and learned so much from every brilliant, beautiful, soul that i had the provellge of creating art with and crossing paths with this near."

Related: Ariana Grande Takes a Nap in Studio on Final Days of Making 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, regardless of negativity she's gotten from people making assumptions about her life. "i have learned how much more important one of those things is than the other," she explained.

"I am listening to and trusting myself, even when fear or trauma tells me not to," she continued. "i am reacting to things that deserve my energy only and removing and protecting myself from things that do not."

Grande closed out 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 movie adaptation of Wicked, the costars developed a romance offscreen.

Their relationship, which was first confirmed by PEOPLE in July 2023, began after Grande’s separation from her husband, Dalton Gomez, and Slater’s separation from his wife, Lilly Jay.

In December, a source told PEOPLE that things are "serious" between Grande and the Spamalot actor, 31. “Ariana is serious with Ethan," they said. "She loves being with him."

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Related: Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater's Relationship Timeline

The insider added that while the pair "go out occasionally" as Grande puts the finishing touches on her upcoming album, they "mostly enjoy staying in. It’s a very normal relationship."

On Dec. 23, the couple was pictured together for one of their first times out together.

The singer and Broadway star were photographed during a night out in New York City. A source close to Grande told PEOPLE they ate dinner with her father, Ed Butera, at her family’s favorite Italian restaurant before seeing Slater in Spamalot.

Grande sported an all-black ensemble featuring a furry bucket hat, mini skirt and black top with furry cuffs. Meanwhile, Slater opted for a more athletic getup with a zip-up, joggers and running shoes.

"They love to support each other in their work," the source said. "When she’s done with work, Ariana loves going to the theater when she can."

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