As a year comes to an end, I always like to look back on everything that went on. 2024 was a pretty busy year for me, and I’m rather proud of everything I accomplished… but before I get into that, I wish to share something else:

Last year, I decided to stop thinking of resolutions (I was never big on them anyway) and to instead create a sort of “theme”, if you will, for myself to focus on or manifest, in a sense.

You may or may not realise that this is the first and last blog post that I have shared this year – but it is not the first that I have written. As usual, I often draft my thoughts and leave them as just that; drafts. (Usually because I overthink it or decide that nobody actually wants to read anything I write.)

But today I was thinking about my “yearly theme” and remembered that I had written about it at the beginning of the year.

Reading it made me quite emotional (pregnancy hormones contribute too :P), and I’m not entirely sure why I never got round to sharing it. But I’m feeling the urge to share it today and add on to it, so here goes:

“2023 was in some ways uneventful but at the same time it was a really big year for me. And looking back, the word that I think reflects the year best is “Change”.

There were so many changes last year (2023).

In motherhood, I experienced change through weaning off breastfeeding and potty training. I experienced many changes when playing Roxie in Chicago, and shifting from mom-mode to theatre-mode several times a week. There were changes in certain relationships. Changes in the way that I treated myself. And needless to say, moving country was the biggest change of all.

Change is scary, but it can also be so so great. I’m proud of how gracefully I got through it all, and all in all I can say it was a good year.

So now, what do I want for 2024?

The word that comes to mind, and what I am manifesting this year, is: Growth.

There are many aspects to growth that I wish to achieve. Most of these are personal, so perhaps I might share more about them as time goes by. Or perhaps not.

But I hope to see the growth I am reaching for. (Not in height, I’ve given up on that) 🤭

So here’s to 2024. And here’s to 30.

Let’s see where this road takes us. ❤️“

Back to now: The “personal things” I was referring to were mostly my hope to grow our family, and while it took a little longer than I’d wished it would, we still got there eventually, and the timing worked out nicely too, given that we moved house much sooner than we’d originally planned to.

But there truly has been so much growth this year for me. Growth in my relationship with Chris, which is stronger than ever. Growth in my motherhood, where I have seen myself handle difficult situations so much better than I used to. Growth in my community here, where I’ve made and strengthened some beautiful friendships. Growth in our experiences, as we’ve become more adventurous and travelled more. Growth in my self-respect and self-love, where I have – probably for the first time ever – started making decisions which put myself and my needs first. And of course, as I mentioned, growth in my family we will happily welcome a new XW member in spring of 2025 (not to mention our 2 little feline additions too!) 🥰

And so for 2025, what do I hope to achieve? The ‘theme’ that I have chosen for myself – the one thing that is really resonating within me and calling me…

“Slowing down”

This is my goal, my theme, my manifestation for 2025. I am tired of rushing. I want to live, and breathe, and take my time. To walk, not run. To be a calmer and more present mother to my children. To have more time for the things and people I love. To take better care of myself and my home. To just be.

Sounds like a dream, so I’m hoping to bring it a little closer to reality. 🙂

Whether this year has been your best ever, or your worst ever, or something in between, it’s the end of the chapter now. And I wish you all, my lovely readers, a wonderful new year, filled with good health, happiness, and love. As well as change, growth, and slowness. 🙂

Happy New Year! ❤️

What are you manifesting for 2025? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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