Simplicity: A Gentle Reminder of What Matters

This year taught me the power of simplicity in a way I hadn’t fully grasped before. Life can feel overwhelming when we try to meet expectations—those of others or even the ones we impose on ourselves. But simplicity is not about doing less; it’s about doing what matters.

For me, this meant letting go of the pressure to be constantly busy. I found joy in small things: the soothing rhythm of crocheting, the laughter of loved ones, the beauty of a sunrise. These moments reminded me that a meaningful life is not measured by how much we achieve but by how deeply we experience it.

As I move into 2025, simplicity will continue to be my compass. I will focus on what brings me peace, joy, and fulfillment rather than chasing after what doesn’t align with my heart.

Aging Gracefully: Embracing the Journey

Turning 55 this year has been a significant milestone. Aging is often viewed with a mix of celebration and trepidation, but I have chosen to embrace it with grace. Each wrinkle and gray hair tells a story of resilience, growth, and love.

This year, I prioritized my well-being—not just physically but mentally and emotionally. I began leaning into practices that nourish my soul, like breathing exercises, mindful walks, and simply saying “no” when I needed rest. Aging gracefully isn’t about fighting time; it’s about flowing with it and appreciating the wisdom and clarity it brings.

2024 also deepened my understanding of gratitude. Losing my stepfather was a painful reminder of life’s fragility, but it also highlighted the importance of cherishing the people we love. His legacy of kindness and strength inspires me to approach life with an open heart, to forgive more, and to love fiercely.

Finding Freedom in Authenticity

One of the most liberating lessons this year has been the power of authenticity. For too long, I felt the need to fit into molds, to create a life that mirrored others. But I have come to realize that true freedom lies in being unapologetically myself.

This shift will now show up in how I engage on social media. Instead of forcing myself to follow trends or appear a certain way, I intend to embrace the simplicity of showing up as me—sharing what I love, commenting meaningfully on others’ posts, and letting go of the pressure to create for the sake of creating.

Authenticity also shaped how I approach my passions, like crochet. Rather than thinking of it solely as a business, I have embraced it as a joyful expression of creativity. Each piece I create is a reflection of me, my mood, and my love for the craft.

This newfound freedom in authenticity has brought so much peace. I am entering 2025 with the resolve to continue living authentically, prioritizing what feels true to me and releasing the weight of external expectations.

Lessons Learned in 2024

As I reflect on the year, I am grateful for the lessons it brought:

1. Gratitude Amplifies Joy: Even in difficult times, finding something to be thankful for can shift our perspective. This year, I celebrated not just the big wins but the small ones too—like finishing a crochet project or having a meaningful conversation with a friend.

2. Healing Takes Time: Grieving my stepfather’s loss has been a journey, but it’s also reminded me to be gentle with myself. Healing doesn’t have a timeline, and that’s okay.

3. It’s Okay to Slow Down: Slowing down allows me to savor life’s simple pleasures. Whether it was enjoying a cup of tea or taking a quiet moment to reflect, these pauses helped me feel more grounded.

4. Authenticity Attracts the Right Energy: By being true to myself, I have created deeper connections and opportunities that align with my values.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As I step into the new year, I intend to do so with open arms and an open heart. My goals for 2025 are not about doing more but about being more—more present, more intentional, and more aligned with my values. Here are a few things I’m focusing on for the year ahead:

1. Prioritizing Simplicity: I will continue to simplify my life, focusing on what truly matters and letting go of anything that feels forced. This means embracing a slower pace, decluttering not just my surroundings but also my mind, and saying no to anything that doesn’t align with my values. By stripping away the unnecessary, I can create space for the things that bring me genuine joy and peace.

2. Embracing My Passions: Crochet will remain a joyful part of my life, not just as a creative outlet or business but as a source of relaxation and self-expression. I will explore new ways to share this love, whether through gifting handmade items, connecting with fellow crochet enthusiasts, or simply celebrating the beauty of each stitch. By releasing any pressure to turn this passion into a task, I can rediscover the pure joy that brought me to it in the first place.

3. Fostering Connections: Whether it’s through social media or in-person interactions, I want to nurture meaningful relationships. This means taking the time to truly listen, offering support when it’s needed, and celebrating the milestones of those around me. Connections built on authenticity and mutual care add depth and richness to life, and I’m excited to continue fostering these bonds in ways that feel genuine and fulfilling.

4. Practicing Gratitude: I will keep a gratitude journal to remind myself of the blessings in my life, no matter how small. Whether it’s the warmth of the sun on my face, the sound of laughter, or completing a crochet project that brings joy to someone else, I want to celebrate the beauty in the ordinary. Gratitude has a way of turning even the simplest moments into treasures, and I’m committed to nurturing this practice daily.

Golden Dreams for 2025

If 2024 taught me anything, it’s that our dreams don’t have to be grand to be golden. Sometimes, the simplest dreams—peace, love, and authenticity—are the most precious. As we close this year and welcome the next, I invite you to reflect on your journey. What lessons did 2024 teach you? What do you want to carry forward into 2025?

Thank you for being part of my story. Though we are still a month away, here’s to a new year filled with simplicity, grace, and the freedom to be unapologetically ourselves.