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

a look back at 2022 and a look ahead for 2023

Challenging that is the word I would use to describe the year 2022 for me. For someone who strives for professional success and always looking to grow in my career I’ve been pretty disappointed and set-back this past year. A lot of things were out of my control and I had to roll with the tides that felt like they came daily. However, with adversity comes strength, resilience, learning lessons and the ability to test yourself in what I hope to call a once in a lifetime situation. And for the lessons I’ve learned that is one thing I’m thankful for.

With the challenges came a lot more stress and anxiety than I’ve ever dealt with before, to the point that my mental health has not in been in a good state, hence the reason for me being quiet on my blog this past year. I’ve noticed me secluding myself because of the anxiousness I feel and not wanting to burden loved ones with my problems or talk about them (everyone has things they are going through). When I have gone out to social functions while I’m grateful to have those moments with friends and family I’ve left always questioning myself, am I a good enough friend, daughter, sister, aunt… I’m sharing this because I have to, it’s so important for people to understand that everyone is going through difficult things but what’s more important is to know you’re not alone and it will get better. I can say that with therapy it’s been a great way for me to get the help I need. And while it hasn’t been easy at times I can say the high tides will eventually stop and it will turn back to a peaceful day.

I’ve mentioned this in other end of year posts where I don’t necessarily make resolutions at the end of the year, but I will do more of a “re-set” with intentions and goals for the year ahead knowing I will most likely adjust them because you change, the footprint around you changes and that’s ok.

Looking ahead to 2023 I want to get back to doing things for me. While I will always be very career driven (it’s who I’ve always been) I’ve learned and am starting to accept that you have to look out for you. I’m hoping that I can re-focus my time and efforts on what is good, what is right and what will make me a better version of myself. With all of that, I’d like to sprinkle in some more adventures, trips and just enjoying the present moment.

This post has been pretty depressing and that’s not what I’ve ever wanted my site to be about, but I have always kept it real on here and sometimes it’s not always going to be butterflies and sunshine. BUT I will always try my best to find the positive in any situation and with that there were some bright spots throughout this year that meant more to me than some of you will ever really know and I’d like to end the year with those.

Dinner at the Plating Society with Chef Darian and my friends who I met through YPOP. They have been some of the best friends and support system I’ve had this year.

My trip to Utah with my sister this summer. It was a trip filled with adventure, the outdoors and nature, laughs and love. (National Park Service)

My family trip to Ocean City, Maryland. It was a trip with unexpected turns but the memories and time spent together is something I will always be grateful for.

Meeting and building some great friendships and relationships with people in the community. A big shout out to Nick and Brian from The Bakers Men Buffalo and to Kristen from Meet & Eat Charcuterie for introducing us to each other in 2021. Working with Angelica at Event Lab Buffalo has been a pleasure. Jodi from Curate Buffalo and the introductions she’s made for me with Chef MaryRuth Rera, Julie Blackman at Farmers and Artisans and Blackman Homstead Farm. Buffalo Olmsted Parks for letting me help with their Gala. These are some of the people who have reminded me how fun it is to work and collaborate with people in our community.

A quick trip to NYC a few weeks ago with my Dad and niece. It was my niece’s first time in the city. We did a lot of tourist things and caught up with my friend Lacey and got to see the Phantom of the Opera before is closes in the spring.

Going back to the Sterling Renaissance Festival with the family this summer. It’s been a number of years since we’ve been and how things have changed but stayed the same. It was a fun time with lots of great family memories.

Experiencing the Buffalo Zoo Catillion this summer with friends. It was a new event experience for the Zoo and I was happy to celebrate it with the YPOP gals.

Celebrating my brother’s 40th birthday with his friends and our family this summer.

Sprinkled in to all these bright spots were other bright moments that were equally as important and memorable to me. Whatever it is that you have set out for yourself in the year ahead I hope it’s filled with laughter, love, kindness and patience.

xo

Beth

Ringing in the New Year in Western New York #BuffaloLinks

If you're still looking for something to do for New Year's Eve, there are plenty of options to choose from around town. Below are just a few {more of the popular events} taking place. Whatever you choose to do, have fun, be smart and don't drink and drive.

-B

For those who want to enjoy some music, food, and a guitar drop, ring in the new year in Niagara Falls, NY by the Hard Rock Café, for more info click here.

Perfect for the whole family, check out First Night Buffalo's drug and alcohol free event at the Buffalo Convention Center.

For those looking for a fancier way to celebrate the new year, there are still spots open for Statler City's Ice Ball.

And for those who want to go out, but go the more casual route, check out the free shuttle taking people around Hamburg, thanks to the Hamburg Brewing Company!