Closing Out 2024: Reflections, Growth, and a Few Laughs Along the Way
As the clock ticks down to midnight on this final day of 2024, let’s take a collective deep breath. Inhale for four, hold for four, exhale for six. (Yes, you’re already nailing your first self-care tip of the new year.) What a ride this year has been! Whether you sprinted, stumbled, or belly-flopped your way through it, one thing is clear: you made it. You’re here. And that, my friend, is worth celebrating.
Before we dive headfirst into 2025, let’s pause. Reflection isn’t just about rehashing the past; it’s about giving yourself credit for your resilience and gleaning wisdom from your wobbles. So grab a cozy drink, a notebook, or maybe just your sense of humor, because we’re going to close out this year with a mix of gratitude, insight, and a healthy dose of laughter.
The Year in Review: Wins, Wobbles, and WTF Moments
Think back to January 1st, 2024. Who were you then? What did you hope to achieve? Maybe you envisioned a year of meditating daily, eating kale like it’s candy, or finally mastering that elusive handstand in yoga. Or maybe you simply aimed to survive another year without adopting yet another rescue animal (no judgement if you failed on that one, I myself failed).
Whatever your intentions were, take a moment to acknowledge what you did accomplish. Maybe it wasn’t everything on your vision board, but did you learn? Did you grow? Did you laugh so hard you snorted? If so, then you had a successful year.
Here’s a little exercise (because we’re all about movement, right?): Write down three things you’re proud of from 2024. Big or small, it doesn’t matter. Maybe you drank more water. Maybe you tackled that junk drawer. Maybe you survived a family reunion without flipping a table. These victories deserve to be celebrated.
Bonus Tip: Celebrate with intention. No need to pop a bottle of overpriced champagne if that’s not your style. Maybe you toast with a green juice or your favorite herbal tea. Celebration is a vibe, not a beverage.
Life Lessons From 2024 (Sprinkled With Humor)
As a coach (and a perpetual student of life), I’ve noticed that each year brings a unique flavor of lessons. Some are profound; others are just funny in hindsight. Here are a few truths that 2024 served up with a side of humility:
Rest is productive. Hustle culture is overrated. The most successful people I know aren’t working 24/7; they’re napping, meditating, and taking luxurious bubble baths. (Pro tip: Add Epsom salts for relaxation and an excuse to post a moody photo on Instagram.) Rest isn’t lazy; it’s fuel. I have to force my own self to be mindful of this constantly.
It’s okay to say no. Boundaries are more than trendy buzzwords; they’re lifesavers. Saying “no” to what drains you is saying “yes” to what fuels you. Plus, the more you say no, the more mysterious and alluring you become. (Fact: Everyone loves a little mystery.)
Comparison is the thief of joy (and sanity). Someone else’s highlight reel isn’t your full story. I know we hear this all the time, but we have to start understanding. Stop scrolling and start savoring your life. Unless your scrolling involves funny animal videos—those are scientifically proven to boost happiness.
Movement isn’t punishment; it’s a celebration. Exercise doesn’t have to be miserable. Dance in your kitchen, take a walk with a friend, or try yoga - PLEASE try Yoga!… even if your downward dog looks more like a confused seal. Movement is about joy, not punishment.
Laughter is medicine. Whether it’s a ridiculous meme or a friend’s hilarious misadventure, don’t underestimate the power of a good laugh. It’s free therapy.
Preparing for 2025: A Year of Expansion and Joy
Here’s the thing about New Year’s resolutions: they’re like a buffet. You don’t have to pile everything on your plate at once. Instead of vowing to overhaul your entire life by February, focus on a few meaningful areas.
Tip 1: Anchor Your Mornings How you start your day sets the tone. Develop a simple morning ritual: stretch, journal, or just sit quietly with your coffee. (Yes, staring into space counts as mindfulness.)
Tip 2: Embrace the “Ta-Da List” Replace your endless to-do list with a “Ta-Da List.” At the end of each day, jot down everything you accomplished. Even small wins count, like “remembered to water the plants” or “resisted buying a fifth pair of slippers on sale.”
Tip 3: Celebrate Micro-Wins Did you floss today? Win. Finally returned that text? Double win. Life isn’t about big moments; it’s about the tiny victories that add up.
Tip 4: Stay Curious Make 2025 a year of curiosity. Try something new every month. Take a dance class, learn to knit, or finally figure out how to fold a fitted sheet (okay, maybe not that last one… we all know it’s a lost cause).
Tip 5: Plan for Fun Fun doesn’t just happen; it’s planned. Book that weekend getaway. Schedule a silly movie night. Life’s too short to forget to have a good time.
A Personal Note From Me to You
As a coach, a fellow human, and someone who absolutely spilled black coffee on their white sweater this week, I want to remind you of something important: You don’t need to be perfect to be amazing. You just need to be you.
So as we close the chapter on 2024, raise a glass (or a mug of tea) to all the mistakes that taught us, the laughter that healed us, and the people who loved us through it all. Let’s step into 2025 with a sense of wonder, a dose of courage, and maybe a little extra flossing.
Cheers to 2025—may it be messy, magical, and full of moments worth celebrating.
With love & light,
Mandy
Holistic Wellness Practitioner | Eternal Work-in-Progress