Work, Life, Growth

As I sit down to reflect on this past year, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for both the highs and the lows of 2024. It’s been a year of significant milestones, tough lessons, and a deeper understanding of grace. Life this year was far from perfect, but every twist and turn brought with it opportunities to grow, learn, and celebrate.

A Year of Accomplishments to Be Thankful For
This year has been filled with incredible opportunities that stretched me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I had the privilege of speaking at several conferences and educational events, sharing knowledge and connecting with inspiring people. Teaching overseas was a dream come true—an experience that brought new perspectives and a deeper appreciation for the global community.

Hosting another small group mentoring cohort was a highlight, too. Watching others grow and thrive has been such a rewarding experience, and I’m so thankful for the trust and openness of this incredible group. Each group helps me grow as well as I continue to learn the importance of transparency and how others appreciate hearing and relating to the struggles that I have experienced.

On the home front, the homeschool journey continued, and we read over 1,000 hours together this year. Sitting with my kids, diving into stories, and watching their love for learning grow has been one of the greatest gifts of 2024. I also found some pretty cool science projects for us to nerd out on while wearing lab coats and goggles. I never imagined homeschool would challenge me to think in new ways, and that I would learn something new each day about things I was already familiar with. And I am sure that in the future,I’ll appreciate the time we spent lost in stories, and building memories.

And perhaps most surprisingly (and delightfully), a few date nights with my husband actually happened! Between busy schedules and life’s demands, carving out time for just us felt like such a win. One of the best date nights came after I made the mistake of showing up at church on the wrong night to serve. Thankfully, they still needed help so after I finished my shift, the husband and I grabbed take out and headed home to watch a movie for a kid free night. Prioritizing our relationship felt like a win in itself, and I’m so grateful for those moments to reconnect.

Failures and Lessons Learned
But life isn’t all about wins, is it? This year also handed me a fair share of challenges and missteps, and I have had frustration and disappointment woven throughout the story.

• I finished my Bible reading plan, but not without stumbling along the way—I was more than 15 days behind at one point. It was a humbling reminder that consistency doesn’t mean perfection, and grace fills the gaps when we fall short. It was a reminder that a plan does not have to be fulfilled in the exact timeframe, but that gaining humility along the way is just as important.
• A business endeavor did not go as I had hoped, and I ended up having to fight much harder than expected for the money that I was due. It stung, but it taught me the importance of discernment, adaptability, and not tying my worth to financial outcomes.
• I failed to finish a manuscript I started because I lost interest. I am still greatly intrigued about the topic, but realized I was tying my worth to what I could accomplish with this goal. It was a lesson in aligning my creative pursuits with my passions rather than just chasing a goal for the sake of finishing it.
• I received several rejection emails for an important document and without approval, this meant that I would not be paid. So, I had to redo everything, resubmit yet again, and was finally approved. Unfortunately, I still have not seen the financial benefit.
• Several months passed without running due to a bad ankle injury, and I battled shingles—both of which forced me to slow down and acknowledge that I needed help. Physical health isn’t something I can take for granted, and rest that I can is as valuable as action in maintaining my well-being.
• On a brighter note, while anxiety hasn’t completely disappeared, it didn’t feel as limiting this year as it has in the past. This progress has been such a gift, reminding me of the importance of the tools and support systems I’ve worked so hard to build.

Looking Back with Gratitude
Even amidst the challenges, 2024 was a year of incredible growth. Each failure taught me something important, and each accomplishment reminded me of what’s possible with faith, persistence, and support.

I’m walking away from this year with a heart full of gratitude—for the lessons learned, the people who supported me, and the opportunities to grow. Here’s to stepping into 2025 with an open heart, ready to release what holds me back so that I can embrace whatever comes next.

What about you? What lessons and joys are you taking with you into the new year? Let’s reflect together. 💛