2024 has been the most impactful and life-changing year for me in my 27ish years of living. In some ways, I knew it would be. In other ways, I was pleasantly surprised. It was one of those years that went by extremely fast, leaving me baffled at how much can actually happen within a year. For my own record keeping purposes, I want to write down the most noticable blessings. Rather than simply counting my blessings chronologically, I will categorize them into the expected, unexpected, and happy little experiences.
The Expected
Endometriosis Treatment - I had surgery to treat my endometriosis. The surgery went longer than expected due to the severity of my situation, but it was ultimately a success. I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis, adenomyosis, and low estrogen. Unfortunately, the diagnoses affect my fertility. This was -and is still- a complex topic to process, but the Lord has comforted me regarding future posterity in multiple little ways this year, which brings me to my next expected blessing.
Primary Teacher - I was called to teach the valiant 8 & 9 class at church. To those who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this means I spent every Sunday teaching the gospel to 8 & 9 year olds. Every year, the topic changes between The Book of Mormon, The Old Testament, The New Testament, and Doctrine and Covenants. This year, I taught The Book of Mormon.
I was terrified to teach these children, as kids have always intimated me. However, I was blessed with an incredible group of kids who taught me so much about The Book of Mormon, faith, love, and kindness. It’s cliche but true that you learn more from your students than they do from you. The Lord knew I would need these kids this year to give me strength and faith.
The Unexpected
The Jeep - In the beginning of 2024 I set out to save $10,000 by December 31, 2024. Spoiler alert: I will not meet this goal. However, through my progress, I was able to purchase my first vehicle! A 2021 Jeep Cherokee with all the bells and whistles on my wishlist. I couldn’t be more grateful!
The House - THE BIG ONE. I bought a house! Due to the endometriosis issues, I moved in with my parents in the fall of 2023. They will be moving in May, and now that I've fully recovered, it feels like the right time for me to move out. After many many prayers, long discussions, research, and anxiety, I decided to buy a house. Although it’s a massive investment, the benefits of purchasing a house rather than renting were too good to pass up. It’s an adorable house with charm and character. I plan to address a few cosmetic changes, but the house's bones and overall condition are in great shape! Located in a cute neighborhood, far enough from the town to not have noise pollution but close enough not to make a day trip for groceries. I have so much anxiety about becoming a homeowner, but I am so proud of myself for becoming one.
The Happy Little Experiences
Chicago - On New Year's Eve 2023, I spontaneously bought a ticket to visit my sister-in-law, Pauline, in Chicago. I’d never been there before and wanted to get to know Pauline better! It ended up being an wonderful (and cold) trip!
Nashville/Niall Horan - I’ve been wanting to see Niall Horan since I was 13... well technically One Direction but unfortunately that will never happen. HOWEVER, Niall was an incredible performer and the teenage girl in me was ecstatic to be in the same room as him. PLUS, I got to go with my little brother. We made a long weekend out of the trip and got to do some sightseeing in Nashville as well. Nashville is a lovely city and I’m hoping to return soon!
Luke Bryan - I found out Luke Bryan was performing at the Wharf in Orange Beach about a month prior to the show. I’ve never been the biggest country fan, but who doesn’t love Luke Bryan. Plus a country concert in the south during the summer was an experience I wasn't going to pass up. He was a great performer as well. Half the time it seemed more like a comedy show if I'm being honest!
Asheville/Avril Lavigne - Avril Lavigne has been my favorite artist since I was a little girl. I won’t bore you with the first time I heard I’m With You as a child and immediately knew I loved her music. In college, I really wanted to see Britney Spears live, but never got the opportunity. Unfortunately, she no longer performs. The realization set in that I would probably never get to see Britney Spears live and in that moment I KNEW the next time Avril Lavigne went on tour I HAD to go. I couldn’t let the same thing happen with her. To top it all off, I got to go with my childhood best friend! And to top THAT, we got to go to Asheville for a couple days before the show and spend time with my family and in the mountains.
2025 Outlook
In 2024, I set goals and an action plan to achieve them. I set a color theme for the year to represent a goal and placed that color everywhere… my wallet, phone case, pens, jewelry, etc. For 2024 the color was Tiffany Blue to prioritize budgeting and save money. Although I don’t have as much in my savings as originally planned, I budgeted well enough to make two large purchases, have no medical debt, and still have a little left over for savings.
Looking ahead at 2025, my primary goal is to improve my diet and fitness routine. Achieving this goal will provide me with peace and stability. It will positively impact my mental health and emotional health as well. With these things in mind, I’ve set my color to be forest green. Green is often used as the color for health, but the deeper forest color resembles peace, growth, and comfort. Additionally, I hope to have a new job next year where I can stay home, make improvements on my house, and spend more time with Chase and the dogs.
I encourage everybody to set goals and a color theme to remind you of your goals throughout the year. I’ve seen first hand how just having the determination alone can improve your life. Lastly, I sincerely hope that everyone, like me, gets to have an unforgettable Christmas and exciting new year!
