My Turquoise Bag

2024 was a handful.

This year contained a lot of extraordinary accomplishments and milestones, most notably buying our first home and celebrating 10 years since meeting my husband.

This year also contained a lot of heaviness.

Job loss, health scares amongst family and friends, interpersonal challenges with people we care about and a whole lot of existential dread, doubt and uncertainty about the future.

Through these wins and worries, some big lessons came out of it for me. I’d love to share eight of them with you.

My hope for 2025 is to create more balance. To eliminate what doesn’t serve me, to let go of what I can’t control, and to continue soaking in the moments that nourish my heart.

On first time homeownership

Becoming a first time homeowner was an uneasy transition. Not in terms of new responsibilities or budgeting; it unexpectedly impacted my identity. I experienced feelings of severe imposter complex after we moved. I floated in a state of disbelief and suspicion that something will take all of our hard work away. I’m in a better place now thanks to therapy and after giving myself time to adjust to this new stage.

On job uncertainty

Having more than one stream of income is the reality of our times. It is often needed to accomplish financial goals, and, to have something to fall back on when job loss climate is on the horizon. This year, my biggest lesson was realizing just how little we can rely on one employer, and all the more reason not to attach our identity to a job.

On body image

Being gentle with myself about my weight fluctuation. Bodies will change, and there is nothing wrong with that. I am able to walk, run, dance, lift, carry and create. I am eternally grateful and in celebration of what my curvy, squishy, strong, feminine body can do. I am re-teaching that message to my 11-year-old self. 

On intuition

Trusting my intuition about people, observations and energy, and being right about it. I tend to default to self-doubt, but this year, enough has happened to validate that my intuition is in fact strong, and it always shows up to protect me.

On parenthood

Coming to terms that becoming a parent is not something I see for myself, and feeling at peace with that decision rather than feeling guilt. I spent the majority of my Thirties feeling unsure about where I stand on becoming a parent, and feeling guilty and confused for not being excited about it, the way I thought I should be. This year, it became clear to me that parenting is not something that feels like a calling to me, and I feel at peace with that.

On boundaries

Setting boundaries on situations that cause a disruption to my nervous system, and prioritizing my peace over anything else. Understanding that setting boundaries can feel uncomfortable more often than it can feel good. 

On letting go

Acknowledging that so much in life, work, relationships, and the world is beyond my control. Contrary to what I’ve been trained to believe, I don’t always have to keep pushing. Sometimes the best thing to do is to accept things (and people) as they are, and accepting that my own impact is limited.

On surrendering

Being okay with things not being okay. Sitting with the ick. Sitting with the messy middle and the nagging uneasiness of the unknown. Trusting that all will unfold in due time, just like it has before. 

What were some of your biggest lessons this year? What will you do more of in the new year? What will you do less of?

Do any of these resonate with you?

Friends and readers: wishing you a healthy, peaceful and abundant 2025 ✨💫