2024, the Year That Was & Is (with a few days left)

Forget resolutions left unresolved and dreams deferred. This year isn’t about what I didn’t do, this is the year of what I did.

It’s a mixed bag of chaos, growth, hilarity, and a few heartfelt moments, so here’s my little victory lap in no specific order:

I Blogged! (A Lot, Actually) First off, let’s give it up for consistency. I blogged my way through 2024—not as many posts as I wanted, and not as funny as I’d hoped, but hey, I showed up & I maintained two blogs, this and my professional blog. 🥳

The pearly whites: One thing I didn’t realize until just today: I started 2024 in the dentist’s chair, and guess where I’m ending it? Yup, the same place. My dental dramas are rolling straight into 2025, and my dentist and I are now so intimate we do drinks every now and then. 

To add to the fun, my firstborn embarked on the braces journey, complete with high-level brace drama just in time for the holidays. Nothing too serious—just inconvenient enough to remind us that dental adventures are forever.

Applications still open: 2024 was The Great Puppy Search. If you thought finding a soulmate was hard, try locating the perfect hypoallergenic fluffball that makes everyone in the family happy. Spoiler alert: The search continues. Applications for four-legged candidates are still open. 🐶

Battle Royale: Ah, the teenage years. Full of eye rolls, boundary-pushing, and the ever-charming “I hate you!” Somehow, I survived another year, even as I prep for the incoming class of 2025 - double teenage energy.

I see my own behaviors mirrored in my no longer ankle biters, which is both terrifying and humbling. But I genuinely believe I didn’t yell as much this year. Pretend patience award? Awarded.

The End:  Life tossed flaming torches, bowling pins, and a few chainsaws my way, but I kept them all in the air. Barely. In a December epiphany, I decided it was time to shut down the peanut gallery. That’s right, folks—the critiques are over. Your opinions no longer count. The show is closed.

Floods of Gratitude: Through the ups and downs moments, my kids reminded me of what matters. Their laughter, resilience, and sheer audacity to thrive. These critters are humbling and inspiring. If 2024 taught me anything, it’s this: We can do hard things, even while clenching a frustrated or scared fist.

Great Job, Tiny Wins: This year, I overcame unemployment—a chapter that challenged me more than I ever imagined. But I did it. I landed a job I love, one that makes me grin and gives me a pocket of something outside of “mum” and “housedom.” It’s more than just work; it’s a space where I can grow, contribute, and feel like me again.

As for tiny wins, my firstborn showed incredible resilience through a tough year. With love, support, and a bit of “F you” energy directed at the nastier parts of life, she’s set to shine bright in 2025. Watching her fight to find her spark again has been one of the most beautiful things I’ve witnessed.

To my little Miss Sunshine: You are magic. You’ve got adventures waiting, and whatever you choose, you’ll win. And to all the critics: Take a hike.

A Year of Change:  I flirted with new hair colors, shed a few kilos, and started to embrace the me that’s here. Still not tall, still not thin, but sassier and more resilient.

2025’s big plan? Date myself. That’s right—it’s time to nurture, grow, and encourage me. .

Reunion, Reflection, and Remembering: This year brought a deeply personal reunion with my mom during a challenging time—a moment of healing I didn’t realize I needed so much. It reminded me of the quiet strength she carries, her wisdom (even when it comes with the occasional infuriating “just do it”), and how much I rely on her presence in my life.

But alongside the comfort of reconnecting with her, this year also deepened how much I miss my dad. His absence is a quiet ache, a gap in life’s puzzle that can’t be filled. 

I also had an earth angel who ascended without a goodbye, without notice. I am still dealing.

In those moments, I find myself just holding on. And that is ok❤️

Cropping, Cultivating, and Welcoming Butterflies: This was also the year of clarity: figuring out who’s in for the long haul and who’s gently bowing out. No hard feelings, no dramatic exits, just some mindful pruning. 🦋🌸

That's all folks! 2024 was my year of doing. 2025 will be my year of strength & growth.

Not perfect, but perfectly mine. 

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