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As the year draws to a close, I find myself in a reflective mood, looking back at 2024 with a mix of gratitude and hope. It’s been a year of challenges and lessons, but also one that reminds me of the importance of resilience and optimism.
Gratitude for Life and Health
At my age, every year feels like a blessing. I’m incredibly grateful to be healthy and alive. Sadly, not all of my friends were as fortunate this year, which has been a sobering reminder to cherish every moment. Their absence weighs on my heart, but it also encourages me to live more fully, to love more deeply, and to appreciate the simple joys of life.
Navigating Financial Challenges
2024 wasn’t an easy year financially, for us or for many Americans. Like countless families, we faced tough decisions. My husband had to re-enter the traditional workforce after years of us working side by side in our self-employment journey. It’s been an adjustment—harder than I ever imagined. The shift in our daily routine, the change in how we spend our time together, and the pressures that come with it have been significant.
Still, I’m proud of how we’ve handled it together. We’ve faced these challenges as a team, and that gives me hope for brighter days in 2025. This year taught us to prioritize what truly matters and reminded us that, even in tough times, we can adapt and persevere.
Learning to Let Go
2024 was also a year of learning to let go—of expectations, of plans that didn’t work out, and of things I can’t control. I’ve had to remind myself often that it’s okay to let go and trust that better things are ahead. Sometimes, letting go isn’t about giving up; it’s about creating space for new opportunities.
The Little Joys That Keep Us Going
Despite the challenges, there were moments of joy. Laughing with family, quiet nights by the fire, and unexpected acts of kindness from friends and strangers reminded me that even in hard times, there is good in the world. These small joys kept me grounded and gave me reasons to keep pushing forward.
Looking Ahead to 2025
While I reflect on the past, my heart is already set on the future. I’m hopeful that 2025 will bring new opportunities, stability, and peace. I want to see us return to a place where we feel more in control of our time and our lives.
This year has taught me that nothing is promised, but I’m choosing to walk into the new year with hope. I’m dreaming of a year where we regain some of what we lost—where my husband and I can work together again, where the financial struggles ease, and where the world feels a little lighter.
Related: Why You Should Create a Vision Board for 2025
Final Thoughts
2024 wasn’t the easiest year, but it was one of growth, reflection, and hard-earned lessons. It reminded me of my strength, my gratitude for what I have, and my hope for what’s to come. As we step into 2025, I’m holding onto that hope tightly.
Here’s to a fresh start, new opportunities, and the courage to keep moving forward.
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.