It’s New Year’s Eve, and I’m sitting in my in-laws’ kitchen while the kids eat breakfast. Creativity has struck, and I felt the urge to write a final post for 2024. Reflecting on the year, I was reminded of a question someone asked me yesterday: “Name 2024.” It took me a moment, but I realised 2024 will always be the year I found myself again.
Over the past several years, I felt a little lost in the ether. I became a mum and, within the same 24 hours, lost a parent. I paused my career, moved to a new country, lived through a pandemic, and welcomed another baby into the world.
Like many mums with young children, I lost a sense of who I was. When Emma was born, I didn’t allow myself the space to grieve properly for my dad. It’s hard to explain the emotions of experiencing one of life’s greatest joys while simultaneously enduring one of its deepest sorrows. I went into autopilot, channeling everything I had into caring for this tiny person.
Over time, I began to feel like I was losing my identity. I was Emma's mum or Danny’s wife, and that feeling was amplified by not working. Loneliness crept in, followed by guilt for feeling that way, knowing how fortunate I was to stay home.
Friendship became essential, but finding connections as an adult—especially one who hates small talk—is no easy task. I dove headfirst into “friend-finding mode” (apologies to anyone if I came on too strong!)
The pandemic arrived, making socialising nearly impossible. Slowly, as restrictions eased, I started to rebuild. Teddy was born, Emma started nursery, and I returned to mum groups. Over time, I built a circle of friends I’m incredibly grateful for—one that many would envy.
By the end of 2023, I began to feel like “Ellie” again. I decided that 2024 would be my year to truly rediscover myself. Rather than setting resolutions, I promised to try something new every month. Here’s what I managed to do:
Ran a 10K.
Took a dolphin boat trip.
Conquered the Qantab Flag Trail (launching myself from a boat onto a cliff ledge remains one of the scariest moments of my life).
Tried wall rope yoga.
Upcycled furniture.
Took up wall climbing.
Tried golf (just the driving range, but I’m keen to continue in 2025).
Achieved PBs at F45.
Ventured into the desert for the first time after 5.5 years in Oman.
And, perhaps most significantly, I started my own limited company.
I’m ending 2024 on the highest of highs. I feel incredibly content. I was going to say “lucky,” but this wasn’t luck. Every milestone, every achievement, came from determination and hard work.
As 2025 approaches, I’m not setting resolutions. Instead, I’m setting goals and looking forward to discovering even more new things. Here’s to whatever the next chapter brings.
If you’re reading this to the end, thank you. And now it’s your turn—what have you achieved this year that you’re proud of, something you accomplished through hard work and determination? Let me know in the comments below.
All that’s left to say is Happy New Year to you all—let’s smash some more goals in 2025!
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