For years, I’ve written about my excitement for each new year. There’s just something magical about a fresh start—a blank slate ready to be filled with dreams, goals, and the unexpected joys of life. I know many of you feel the same way. Some of you, however, might not share this enthusiasm, and that’s okay. I don’t fully understand it, but here, we listen and we don’t judge. Everyone’s journey is their own.
As I reflect on 2024, I realize it was a year of quiet shifts for me. I lightly chose a word of the year: LEVITY.
Honestly, my choice was inspired by Hayley Williams of Paramore. In 2023, the band released a demo of their song Sanity, and the way she sang the word “levity” struck a chord with me. The song became a favorite, and its meaning seeped into my mindset. It got me thinking about not taking things so seriously, about letting go of the small stuff and allowing life to flow. It was a departure from my usual approach—where I plaster my word of the year across planners, vision boards, and reminders everywhere. For 2024, I decided to take a different path. I didn’t want to overthink or overdo it. I wanted a break.
This lighter approach shaped how I navigated the year. I kept momming. I kept working. But I also allowed myself to loosen my grip on constant goal-setting and analysis. I let things unfold naturally, and in doing so, I discovered so much to love about 2024.
That said, I’m going into 2025 knowing I won’t abandon the structure of resolutions or goals entirely. If 2024 taught me anything, it’s that both approaches can coexist. It’s okay to lean into simplicity one year and return to intentional planning the next. There’s no one-size-fits-all way to grow.
Before diving into 2025, I want to honor the small, meaningful wins that defined this past year. Here’s my list of personal reflections from 2024—moments of joy, growth, and quiet victories:
- Leaned into making art
- Gave myself space to process things quietly
- Made new friends
- Took family trips
- Listened to my body
- Enjoyed day dates with Brett
- Turned a blank space into a home
- Did some solo traveling
- Reconnected with old friends
- Took breaks from work when I felt overwhelmed
- Stated my boundaries and stuck with them
- Lifted self-imposed restrictions
- Updated or refreshed many things
- Bought and used a tent
- Slowed down online posting
- Loosened up on strict goals
- Treasured one-on-one time with each kid
Looking back, I feel proud of what I accomplished, even if the year wasn’t perfect. There were moments when I struggled—times when I was quick to anger, lacked empathy, or let chaos win over calm. And let’s not even talk about how many months I veered off our budget! Still, I see these imperfections as opportunities for growth. I’m going into 2025 with small improvements in mind and a renewed sense of purpose.
For 2025, I’ve chosen a new word: VISION.
This word feels like a guidepost, a call to refocus and look ahead with clarity and intention. I’m excited to continue shaping who I’m becoming, balancing the lessons of levity with the determination to grow. Here’s to a year of seeing things clearly, acting with purpose, and embracing whatever comes next.
