For those of you who may not know, I send out a monthly email filled with motherhood encouragement, tips, and a little bit of what's on my heart. Life has been busy, but I’m so excited to reconnect as we head into the new year and share this one with you! If you’re not already on my email list, I’d love for you to join our community. But for now, I wanted to share this message with you here, hoping it brings a little encouragement as we step into the new year–
It feels so good to be writing to you again. I've missed these little moments of connection— catching up, sharing my heart, and hearing yours in return. Life has been a whirlwind, per usual, and while I’ve fallen out of the habit of writing, I’m excited to get back to it. I hope to show up in your inbox at least once a month this year– this feels like an attainable rhythm for the season we are in, and I hope it’s something we both look forward to!
As I sit down to write our last email of 2024, like many, I find myself reflecting on everything this past year brought. Like every year, 2024 had its share of joy and sorrow, triumphs and challenges. It’s a reminder of how life always seems to balance the bitter with the sweet.
Social media may be buzzing with “new year, new me” messages, but if your heart feels heavy or overwhelmed, I want to gently remind you that you’re not alone.
Maybe you don’t need to carry every expectation into this new year. Instead, what if you simply carried what truly matters? Refine your values. Protect your peace. Choose the people and things that calm your nervous system and fill your heart with joy. Set boundaries where you need them. Love yourself deeply, and remember—sometimes, less is more.
As I step into this new year, I’m carrying just one thing with me: intention.
I’m choosing to walk in with a clear mind instead of a mental to-do list.
I’m choosing to show up for myself and for the people who consistently choose to show up for me and my family.
I'm choosing to celebrate my growth instead of dwelling on what I didn’t accomplish.
I'm choosing to slow down and savor life’s moments, moving with purpose instead of rushing through and committing to everything.
This shift feels big for me because, if you know me, you know I love a fresh start– typically the week between Christmas and the new year is one of my favorites. It’s the time of year when everything feels possible, when I can sit down with my planner and a heart full of hope, mapping out dreams and goals for the months ahead. I thrive on the anticipation of what’s to come and the satisfaction of turning ideas into plans.
I’ve always believed there’s magic in planning and dreaming— it’s how we move forward, grow, and create lives that reflect what matters most to us. And to be fair, I see absolutely nothing wrong with that. But the older I get, the more I’m learning to hold those plans loosely, with open hands. Life has a way of reminding me that no matter how carefully I plan, there will always be unexpected turns, detours, and surprises— both beautiful and heartbreaking.
So while I still love a fresh start and all the promise it holds, I’m also learning to embrace the unknown. Instead of trying to control every detail, I want to focus on what I can do well and trust that the rest will fall into place. It’s a shift toward grace, presence, and intention— one that feels right for this season of life.
I hope this email feels like a little nudge to slow down and join me in savoring where we are right now— messy, imperfect, and full of grace. Here’s to a year of being present, showing up for ourselves and the people who matter most, and finding joy in the little things.
Let’s chat—I’d love to hear how you’re feeling as this new year unfolds. I’m always just an email or DM away 🫶🏼
With all my love and gratitude,
Meredith
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