A look back at the 2024 Chaos

If I had to sum up 2024 in one word, it would be growth. Sure, it wasn’t always pretty, but growth rarely is. I ventured into new territory and gave myself permission to try. Some things worked, some didn’t, but I’m proud of the progress I made.

For starters, I tried my hand at digital marketing and even took a course to learn more. While I gained valuable insights, I realized selling courses just isn’t my thing. I’d sell one here or there, but it didn’t feel fulfilling, and I want my work to have long-term impact—something sustainable that truly helps people. The course itself? Amazing. But it wasn’t my forever path, and that’s okay.

I also dipped my toes into running a cat-focused Instagram page, which I’ll eventually turn into a personal page for my own cats. I shared tips and tricks I genuinely believe in, but something about the project didn’t click. It didn’t feel right—and learning to listen to that gut feeling was a win in itself.

Then came August, and our trip to Oregon and Washington. Long motorcycle rides leave a lot of time for thinking, and I promised myself I’d use that time to figure things out. I walked away with some great story ideas (hello, potential future novel!) and the clarity that mental health has always been my passion. Honestly, I think I knew that even before my divorce. I mean, I found writing from 2020 about mental health—I should’ve already known!

In the month or so that followed, Shifting Thru Chaos was born. Four months in, it’s not perfect, but it’s mine. I’m building something meaningful, and I’m damn proud of that.

Of course, there’s still work to be done. Procrastination? Yeah, we’re still enemies. I’ve been a last-minute queen since my college days (how I graduated my Masters with a 4.0 still blows my mind). But instead of beating myself up about it, I’ve learned to give myself grace. And while consistency isn’t my strong suit, I’m working on it every single day.

At the end of the day, when things feel overwhelming, I turn to my cats for cuddles. They remind me that it’s okay to pause, breathe, and just be.

the beauty of the mess

2024 taught me something big: The mess isn’t the problem. It’s the obsession with perfection that trips us up. Messy moments? That’s where the magic happens. Growth doesn’t come from smooth sailing; it’s born in the storms we navigate.

Take my blog, for instance. It’s not where I want it to be, but I’ve learned so much in the process—like building my website or designing affirmation cards on The Game Crafter. These were totally new skills, and while they weren’t easy, I’m proud of how far I’ve come.

Learning to give myself grace has been a battle. It’s hard to shake the voice in my head that says, “You should’ve done more today.” But I’m learning to silence it, especially on rough mental health days. There’s always tomorrow, and honestly? My cats don’t care if the house is spotless or the to-do list is finished. They remind me to land on my feet and keep going, even if it’s not perfect.

What worked and what didn't

Looking back, I can see what helped me thrive—and what held me back.

What didn’t work? Overwhelming to-do lists. I’d pile on tasks that realistically would take days to complete and then feel frustrated when I couldn’t keep up. That frustration was a wake-up call to give myself more realistic expectations (and grace when I didn’t meet them).

What worked? Finding my “why.” Realizing what I truly want out of this blog—and out of life—gave me a renewed sense of purpose. I also made progress with deep-breathing techniques to calm my anxiety, and that small habit has made a big difference.

gratitude for the messy moments

As 2024 wrapped up, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Not just for the good times, but for the messy moments that shaped me. I’m thankful for the lessons, the people who stood by me, and the grace I’m learning to give myself.

Most of all, I’m grateful for the realization that I don’t have to do everything right now. Learning to let go of that pressure is an achievement I’ll carry into the new year.

closing thoughts