Reflections on 2024 - Growth, Learning and Connection

As the year draws to a close and I embrace a period of seasonal rest and retreat, I find myself with the gift of time on my hands. Each year for the past several, I use this time intentionally to reflect on the lessons, milestones, and personal growth I’ve experienced through the previous year. This has been a year of abundance, of stepping outside my comfort zone, creating and deepening connections, and aligning my creative and personal life with my seasonal values.

Taking this time is so important to me as it naturally ends the cycle of the year. I revisit the annual 'hopes and dreams' wish list that I make each year in the front of my diary. It helps me to celebrate my progress and assess what I would like to carry forward.

My 2024 summary goes like this:

1. The Power of Connection and Collaboration

One of the most rewarding aspects of this year has been the connections I’ve built with other artists and creatives. Collaborating with like-minded individuals, like Sam Waters in our sketchbook collaboration, Kelly Herrick in Rebloom School, Steve Keeling where art met ceramics, and Art to Basic in our Green Team Collab, has not only inspired my work but also reminded me of the strength and magic that come from shared ideas and mutual support. Appearing on two podcasts, Authentic Obsessions and Made Remarkable, was a nerve-wracking yet exhilarating experience that pushed me to articulate my journey and passions more clearly as well as to connect with new audiences.

2. Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone

This year was about courage—taking risks and embracing the unknown. From launching two courses (a free course, Creative Soul Discovery. with over 3,500 students and my signature creative course, Creative Soulscapes) to sharing my voice on podcasts, I’ve learned that growth often happens in the spaces that feel the most challenging. The feedback and connections that came from these ventures have been incredibly fulfilling and I will be sharing some of my students experiences in the coming weeks.

3. Learning and Implementing

Participating in the amazing business course Build it Remarkable with Kellee Wynne was transformative. The lessons I gained provided a framework which helped me refine my approach to business and creativity, showing me how to integrate practical strategies with my passion for seasonal alignment. Implementing these insights has strengthened my offerings and deepened my impact and enjoyment of this creative life I ahve chosen to live.

4. Embracing Seasonal Alignment

This year, swimming through the winter became a personal ritual that grounded me in the seasons' rhythms. Immersing myself in the water and the weather, was exhilarating and life-affirming and it helped me make it through the winter, I time I usalyy find a challnge to navigate, Attending yoga retreats with Becs McBride added another layer of self-care, support and connection to my seasonal practices, offering moments of stillness and self-nurture that nourished my body and mind.

5. Prioritizing Health and Well-being

I focused on maintaining a healthier lifestyle this year by going to the gym regularly and making thoughtful changes to my diet. Reducing red meat and alcohol, while increasing fish, turmeric, and ginger intake, has left me feeling more energized and balanced. Going to bed earlier has also helped me to engage in better sleep hygiene and using the app, Insight Timer has helped my busy brain to switch off so I can drift to the Land of Nod.

6. Streamlining and Sustainability

In the spirit of simplicity and alignment, I closed my private art therapy practice this year to focus on my creative courses and broader audience. I’ve also worked to reduce plastic usage, support ethical brands, and make small, consistent changes that align with my values. These efforts remind me that growth isn’t just about big leaps—it’s about the daily actions that align with your vision.

7. Small Steps, Big Impact

This year, I committed to doing one small thing each (read *most) days to grow my business. Using my fantastic Moon Phase Journal which grounded me daily in the cycles of the moons, I spent five minutes each night before bed recording my actions for each day. And on the days I had nothing to write I proudly recorded 'rest' so I can hold my head up high and assure you I am practicing what I preach. Whether it was sending an email, listening to a podcast episode, refining a course module, or brainstorming new ideas, these small actions have compounded into meaningful progress held within the pages of my beautiful journal.

8. Growth in Numbers and Gratitude

My email list and income grew significantly this year, a reflection of the trust and connection I’ve built with my community. Each milestone has reminded me of the importance of showing up authentically and consistently. I continue to write a daily Gratitide Journal recording at least five things I'm grateful for each and every day. It's been a challenging year so my gratitude practice has really helped me support my own well-being as the days and months ticked by.

Looking Ahead

This year has been a journey of growth, learning, and alignment and I think it's really important to celebrate those wins. I’ve discovered the power of connection, the strength in stepping outside my comfort zone, and the value of showing up for myself and my community as well as taking the times to embrace the down times, the grief, the ebbs and exhalations. As I look to 2025, I’m excited to carry these lessons forward, continuing to create, connect, and grow with intention. I'm now taking time to ponder my Word for the Year. In the past I have chosen Patience, Sustain, Learn, Excel, Nurture and Grow and this year I chose Abundance.

have a few ideas for 2025 - watch this space.

What about you? What lessons have defined your year, and how will you carry them forward? Will you join me and choose a guiding word for 2025? What will it be?