2024 - Navigating

As I reflect on 2024, it feels like a year that tested me in ways I didn’t anticipate. Despite my intentions to focus on balance and purpose, I was reminded that life doesn’t always follow the roadmap we set for ourselves. Challenges came in waves—moments of worry, stress, and anxiety seemed to outweigh the balance I worked hard to achieve this year and that in a result has left me feeling like a horrible person. A person that carries a lot of weight and anger that I haven’t experienced or felt before.

That’s not to say 2024 was lacking times of happiness and fun. There were pockets of beautiful moments of gratitude, joy, and memories that I’ll hold close. But it became clear to me how much our environment shapes our well-being. No matter how strong your intentions are or how much inner work you do, being surrounded by negativity and toxicity can make it incredibly difficult to hold onto peace and positivity.

This year has been a lesson in resilience—a hard-earned reminder that while we can’t always control the circumstances around us, we can choose how we respond and what we take forward into the new year. It has felt like I have been climbing a mountain waiting to hit the summit and enjoy the descent but when moments come where I feel the weight is becoming lighter and my path is clearer there’s another curveball that says no the journey isn’t over. I mean I guess that’s what you call life. The journey isn’t ever linear.

I don’t often talk about this with my loved ones and friends because I know we’re all navigating life in our own ways. I don’t want to feel like a burden or bring the negativity I’ve experienced into my relationships. But keeping it inside has been exhausting—mentally, physically, and emotionally.

If there’s one thing I’ve taken away from this chapter of my life, it’s this: life is so fucking short. We never know when we’ll experience something for the last time, so we need to fully embrace the moments, experiences, and people that make us feel loved and happy.

A few weeks ago, I lost a friend, Jackie, to cancer. She was the definition of living life to the fullest, and when I think of her, I’m reminded to find joy in each day—no matter how small it may seem or how hard things feel.

Looking ahead, 2025 feels significant. I’m turning 40, and if you’d asked my 20-year-old self what life at 40 would look like, I’d say it’s both different and the same. What I’m working on as I step into this new chapter is learning to accept that while I can care deeply and be passionate about my work, I can also set boundaries. I don’t need to let my work consume me or allow myself to be taken for granted.

I’m learning how to navigate environments that don’t align with my energy and values, and to decide what—and who—I allow into my life. Most importantly, I’m working on giving myself permission to set those boundaries without feeling like a horrible person for doing so.

2025 is about new chapters, whatever they may look like. It’s about joy, it’s about making more memories with the people I love, it’s about prioritizing my health, and being a better version of myself — because the healthiest, happiest you is the greatest gift you can give yourself.

If you’re in a time where the path feels uncertain or heavy, know that you’re not alone. And if you’re in the best time of your life, savor it—truly feel it, embrace it, and appreciate it. Every path, whether smooth or not, brings strength, lessons, and the opportunity to grow into a better version of you.

Happy New Year. With Love.
Beth