I thought about doing my annual year-in-review recap but…2024 was a LOT. So instead, I thought I’d briefly share some of the highlights from the past 12 months and talk about some things I’m looking forward to in 2025.
Good things from 2024
I traveled a lot in 2024. Travel has always been exciting and important to me because it reminds me that the world is big, that people are generally wonderful and kind, and that my little bubble I live in day-to-day is just that. Much of it was for work, some of it was for fun, and for all of it, I feel incredibly lucky. (Some photos of these trips over on my IG!)
Places I visited included:
Stockholm, Sweden
Brussels, Belgium
The Catskills mountains in NY (for a lovely women’s reading retreat)
Iowa City (to see Patti Smith sing and read her work)
Chicago, IL
Austin, TX
Sedona, AZ
Kansas City, MO
Washington, D.C.
Las Vegas, NV
New York City (a few times)
Miami, FL
Lanai, Hawaii
Learning and Things
In 2024, I attended several talks at nearby universities on topics ranging from astronomy and quantum physics to poetry, Buddhism, art history, and more.
I also attended a few Interintellect salons and started working toward a Graduate Certificate in Philosophy and Ethics. A lot of the time, I’m out of my depths on these topics, but I love the challenge of learning and attempting to stretch myself to keep up with the conversations.
I did not pick my novel back up as intended, but…maybe in 2025?
Brooks got a puppy brother, Crosby, who he is still very often annoyed with, but has been a nice playmate for him. Dogs are the best; we’re simply not worthy!! One dog is great, but two is even better. Puppies are hard (hello, indoor accidents), but I will say, having an older dog around to teach the little guy helped a lot.
Business & self-employment
I celebrated my 11th year of full-time self-employment in November, but, as always, it was a year of hills and valleys. I’ve written about how AI is changing the work (both the availability and roles) for freelance writers, and I really felt that shift this year.
I find myself more often in more of an editor role these days, often working with AI-generated drafts or AI-assisted content per clients’ needs. I don’t mind the evolution; the name of the game when it comes to freelancing has always been adaptability.
That said, I am thinking more seriously about taking a full-time role these days. From simplified taxes to stability to wanting a feeling of belonging and connection…a decade-plus of solo work is catching up with me. Maybe it would be nice to be part of a team again? We’ll see.
I finally got The Writing Lab (the hub for all my writing resources) up and running, but…I didn’t (and still don’t!) do a great job promoting it outside of my newsletter.
P.S., I knocked the price of my eBook down to $45!
Looking forward
I feel optimistic about 2025. I feel more myself than I’ve felt in a really long time.
2024 was a rough one; I won’t lie. But as much as it was challenging, it was also beautiful and full of wonderful friends and folks who showed up for me in ways that made me feel incredibly grateful to be here on this weird little planet.
I don’t know if 2024 was a bumpy one for you, but if it was, I’m here to tell you: Keep going. Keep being your best, most hopeful, shiniest, brightest little self.
Cheers to 2025, friends.