2024 in Review

2024 will always be defined by the year Cameron died. But there were other moments, happy moments, successful moments, moments we are proud of. I don’t want to forget those moments either.

Life & Personal Growth
1. What self-discovery moment in 2024 made you feel more confident in your 40s?
Starting to accept my perimenopausal body a little more. I am not quite there yet but I do feel a lot more confident now than I did a few years ago.
2. How has your relationship with yourself evolved this year?
I like myself a little more, a lot more actually. The negative self talk is a lot less now.
3. Which boundaries did you set this year that made the biggest positive impact?
Focusing on the people who add joy to my life and distancing myself from those who don’t make me (or my family) feel good.

Parenting Journey
4. What new phase of parenting brought unexpected joys or challenges?
Is the loss of a child a parenting phase? It has been a joy watching Jack develop into his own person, he knows what he wants and doesn’t seem to bothered by the outside opinions of others. We have had a challenging year with Emma but deciding to unschool her this year was our best decision, she started a business, learnt new skills and does seem calmer.
5. How has your parenting style evolved this year?
I don’t know if it has evolved really but I am letting the kids be who they need to be without trying to push my will onto them.
6. What’s one precious moment with your child(ren) you want to remember from 2024?
In hindsight it was the 4 months Cameron spent with us. The time we spent in Cape Town after his death was so hard but we had some very special moments together. Kiara graduated. Jack cut his hair and Emma started a business.
7. Which parenting challenge helped you grow the most?
Without question, the loss of Cameron. I have had to face hard emotions not only about death but about myself as well.

The Positives of a Connected World | Wisdoms and Wrinkles

Health & Wellbeing
8. What changes did you make to your wellness routine that really worked for you?
I started gym (reluctantly) but I do miss it when I decide not to go.
9. How did you prioritize your own needs while balancing family responsibilities?
I have a very supportive husband who encourages me to do things for myself, this helps me to take the time.
10. Which self-care practice became non-negotiable this year?
Writing, journaling and my weekly coffee with Eve.

Relationships & Family
11. How has your relationship with your partner/family evolved as your children grow?
I am loving this stage of my kids and of my relationship with David. They are a lot more independent now which means it is easier for David and I to talk and get time together. Having only 2 children in the house is a whole lot easier than four.
12. Which friendships with other women became particularly meaningful this year?
My friendship with Eve has become something that is really important to me this year. Our chats and her support was a large part of how I was able to get through the year.
13. What family tradition did you either start, maintain, or thoughtfully let go of?
I am not really sure about this one.

Style & Lifestyle
14. How has your personal style evolved this year?
I don’t think it has. I am not really great at fashion or style but I am trying to buy more bright colours and pretty things.
15. What’s one purchase or investment in yourself that proved particularly worthwhile?
Spending time at a clinic earlier this year. And signing up for the Papery subscription box.
16. Which home or lifestyle change made family life run more smoothly?
Generally our home runs pretty well, having David work from home as well now also helps a lot.

Career & Personal Projects
17. How did you balance your professional goals with family life?
David and I work together which means we set our goals together for both the business and our family.
18. What new skill or hobby did you explore that was just for you?
I started junk journaling – it is lots of fun and something I want to focus on in the new year.
19. How have you redefined success for yourself this year?
I don’t know if I have redefined it – success to me has always been the people and collection of memories in my life over the collection of money.

Looking Forward
20. What wisdom from 2024 would you share with other women in their 40s?
Be who you are. Wear what you want. Go where you want. Do what you want.
21. Which aspect of your children’s next stage are you most excited about?
Kiara enters the working world and I am so excited to see where she goes. Jack has decided what he wants to do so we start preparing for that in 2025. I am excited to see where Emma’s journey takes her.
22. What do you want to prioritize for yourself in 2025?
My health and my writing.