I’m sharing an extra blog this week! The first one was all about New Year’s traditions and some fun facts, but this one’s a little more personal. It’s about doing a “2024 Audit” for ourselves.
We all find inspiration from others and this blog is just that. Me sharing what I’ve recently learned and hope it sparks something for you as well.
As we step into 2025, it feels like a good time to pause and reflect.
Some may not be interested in reflection however, my thought is, how can we plan where we’re going if we don’t take a moment to think about where we are—or where we’ve been? A year-end audit is a great way to look back with gratitude, learn from the challenges, and move forward with a clear sense of purpose.
Here’s how I’ve approached an end-of-year reflection—I’m providing some personal examples below from my 2024 to give you an idea of the process. I invite you to do the same.
Grab your phone, scroll through those photos starting January thru to December (because often we forget just how much we have done). I guarantee you’ll have some “AHA” moments – “I forgot about that”.
What Am I Proud Of?
2024 was a whirlwind, and I often forgot to celebrate the small wins. But looking back at my photos, I realize how much I did accomplish.
In April, I created a community petition advocating for life skills programming and other benefits for adults with disabilities. Seeing the turnout and hearing heartfelt stories reminded me that even small efforts can create ripples and it has inspired me to continue with the efforts.
I am also proud of the volunteer work that my daughter and I did this past year. Making a difference in our own small way.
Matthew Jones sums it up well in this poem:
What a beautiful joy to live in community
Serving one another in love and unity
Words and actions can be so nourishing
We can all use a little encouraging.
Creative ways we help and give
We come together to thrive and live
With committed support we meet the needs
Spreading hope and planting seeds
As volunteers we are glad to lead
Cuz with a team we all succeed.
There are many things I am proud of from 2024. Big and small.
It’s important to take a moment to think about our highlights. Those “ordinary” moments might reveal something extraordinary.
What Were the Hardest Parts of the Year?
Challenges are often the best teachers, even if they’re not the most welcome guests.
This summer, I struggled with some health issues and was close to burnout. Between juggling responsibilities at home, volunteer commitments and pushing for new initiatives in the community, I found myself drained.
The lesson? Rest isn’t earned—it’s essential.
While I do like to volunteer and help out – perhaps I don’t need to take on as many shifts.
I let my commitment to better health and self-care take a back seat. It’s so easy to slide into care giving mode for others that we forget to care for the caregiver.
What were your tough moments?
Perhaps a relationship that is going in circles or challenges with others close to you? Maybe you are struggling with a health issue? Friendships or lack thereof? Setbacks or disappointment for not reaching certain goals? Or you’re just not where you want to be?
As painful as this is to think about, it is an important part of the process. And more importantly, is realizing what we have learned from the challenges?
What Did I Learn About Myself?
Every year brings self-discovery if we take the time to reflect.
I realized that saying “no” isn’t just about setting boundaries; it’s about creating space for what truly matters. When I did turn down a few obligations, I finally made time for spontaneous family hikes and cherished moments with friends.
I also learned that I have a terrible habit of starting things (for myself) and not finishing. I always seem to find something more pressing or important to do.
I also realize that the older I get, the less patience I have for certain things and people. I no longer fight for relationships /friendships that are stressful and instead of focusing on things, I value experiences so much more.
Letting go of those things can feel freeing, like cleaning out a closet full of clothes you don’t wear anymore. At one time, those clothes felt important, but now they just take up space. Instead, you pack a bag for an exciting trip. The memories from the trip stay with you and mean so much more than those old things ever did.
And when it comes to relationships or roles, it's like wearing a pair of shoes that used to fit perfectly but now pinch your toes or give you blisters. At first, you might try to tough it out because, hey, they were your favorite pair. But over time, you realize it’s not working anymore. Whether it’s a friendship, relationship, or even a role you’ve taken on, when there’s constant discomfort or things just don’t feel right, it’s a sign those shoes aren’t meant for you anymore. The question is, what’s the right fit? Do we need to adjust how we walk, get a new pair, or simply take a break to let our feet breathe?
It is super important that we weed out areas of our lives that frustrate us and stay super focused on what matters most.
Consider how you feel and pay attention to what is true to yourself. Create direction – inch toward things that make you feel happy and more fulfilled.
Think about what brought you joy this year—and what didn’t. Both hold valuable lessons.
What Am I Leaving Behind?
Not everything from 2024 deserves a spot in 2025. It’s time for a clean slate.
I’m leaving behind my habit of overthinking every decision. It slowed me down and stole too much mental energy. Instead, I’m embracing “good enough” and moving forward.
One of the dynamics I’ve been reflecting on lately too is the tendency to tolerate things that disrupt my peace and ease. It’s easy to fall into patterns of doing things out of a sense of obligation or a desire to help and solve problems. While our intentions may come from a good place, this often leads to unnecessary stress and imbalance.
At the heart of it, we each need to be responsible for our own lives. Supporting others is important to the extent they truly need, but not at the cost of sacrificing our well-being or taking on responsibilities that aren’t ours to carry. It’s a delicate balance—one that begins with recognizing what truly works for us and what doesn’t.
Identify what beliefs, habits, or things you no longer want to carry into the new year. What’s on your list?
What Am I Grateful For?
Gratitude is a powerful lens to see the year through.
I’m so thankful for family and friends who bring their own special kind of light into my life. Whether it’s little thoughtful gestures or moments of pure laughter, they remind me every day of what really matters. They keep me grounded and make life so much brighter.
I’m also super grateful for the neurodiverse community. They’ve taught me to see the world in new and beautiful ways, showing how differences make us stronger and more connected. Their authenticity and strength are such an inspiration.
And finally, I’m thankful for this blog – a space where I can share my thoughts, reflect on experiences, and connect with others. It’s a creative outlet that allows me to grow, learn and engage in meaningful ways.
Think about the people, moments, or experiences that made your year better.
What Are My Goals for Next Year?
Goals give us direction and purpose. For me, they’re about growth—not perfection.
Family is always my top priority, but I’ve also been thinking about some more specific goals. One big one is to continue to support a new comprehensive approach for adults with disabilities in our community—it’s something I’m really passionate about.
Another goal is carving out more “me-time.” For me, that means focusing on health and self-care, diving into books I’ve been wanting to read, spending more time writing, and soaking up the peace and beauty of nature. These are the things that recharge me and bring me joy, and I want to make them a bigger part of my life.
What do you want to achieve in 2025?
Write it down. Envision it.
What Do I Need to Start or Stop Doing?
This is where reflection meets action. Not necessarily a “resolution” but rather a new way of life.
Stop – Start – Continue.
Stop: Doubting my instincts.
Start: Prioritizing myself more often. Setting aside one day regularly - just for rest and reconnection. Set a daily routine for healthier choices and activities.
Continue: Advocating for causes close to my heart. Speaking up for the things that matter to me, even when it’s hard.
Take a moment to consider: What habits will help you move forward? And which ones are holding you back?
As we head into 2025, I want to move forward with clarity, gratitude, and a sense of purpose. Life isn’t about racing to the finish line—it’s about the journey. By taking a moment to look back on where we’ve been, we can step into what’s ahead with open hearts and a clear sense of direction.
Through this end of year audit, I wish you a year of clarity, growth, joy, and meaningful moments.
Happy 2025! 🌟