Put a Bow on it.

Ah, the good ol’ end of the year. I do love it so. Twinkly lights, and my birthday comes around (it’s today, in fact.) It feels like the holiday festivity is all for me! I don’t mind getting older (I tell myself.) Getting older is all part of the plan. I’m not totally sure we will ever really be in on this “plan,” but evidently we are going to live it out all the same! As for turning 53, all I can say is I plan to be 90 years old and still doing this.

I knit around Christmas because it’s one of the few times I take a week or two off of work and thus actually have time to sit on my butt and chill. I’m an awful knitter and I never have much to show for for the amount of time I spend knitting, but I love to knit all the same.

Earlier today, I was trying to figure out exactly why I love to knit. Maybe it’s buried in my DNA… making things with our hands is primal, after all. But I think it’s more so that knitting calms my brain. Plus, it’s a solitary sport and that’s something us Capricorns can really get behind. An opportunity to just sit and be is something I don’t get to do very often at this life-stage. Like I said, most of my knitting projects go south before I have much to show for them. But- what is wonderful about me is that I always have unyielding hope that whatever knitting project I’m working on will be finished one day! (And also that it will look amazing.) I might have to wait until another lifetime to experience a reality that includes “finished knitting projects.” But, as usual, I have hope. I have plans even! (I am working on this incredibly beautiful pattern with a looong way to go. And I have had to re-start it three times already.)

My little garden that I started is doing well. I have a lot more left to plant, but it’s enough for the moment. If means I had my hands in the earth this Winter and I am growing a little bit of food. Goal met.

This coming year Brad and I will be growing more herbs. Lavender, rosemary, chamomile and more calendula for starters. We are planning to infuse our own oils for our new business that we decided to do on a whim at the end of the year. We've done great over the holidays so far! We made and sold out of all products three times! I’m not sure I need another business at this time in my life (insert eye-rolling emoji here) but I love this little thing Brad and I created. It’s like we had another kid. (Hopefully this one won’t borrow my clothes without asking.) We are going to continue to sell locally in the New Year as well as planning to offer mail order!

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As for year’s end…I find it a wonderful time to truly sit and rest within myself. I know that I need to find a way to create more time for myself in 2025 and do what I do best which is be creative. These last few years have been overflowingly filled with my personal training business. I am thankful, and it’s been essential. That said, my work/life balance needs some adjusting in the New Year. Because I don’t know how I can make that work right now, I continue to just be with the questions and allow myself time in these next weeks to consider the “how” of it all.

At the end of 2024, will you allow yourself to sit down for a moment and consider yourself, truly? Are you happy? What do you want for 2025? What no longer serves you?

Speaking of you, I would like to take a moment to express my appreciation to my readers. This publication is nearly one year old and I love to be here with you. Thank you for being here for Courage and Kale’s first year!

My gratefulness extends out to my husband, children, parents and friends. I am in love with my life, my home and the ability to even consider things such as I have shared in this post today. I know I am truly fortunate to be in the position to grow food in my backyard, start businesses, shop for holiday presents and have fresh water pour out of my faucet. These are gifts and I love them.

Have a beautiful close to your year friends. Happy holidays! And I’ll see you in the New Year.

(Oh! P.S.) The cute succulent in a box was sent to me by a client. I love this gift idea! They purchased it from this company.)