This time of year feels like a natural pause. December often brings with it a sense of reflection, a moment to step back, review, and recalibrate. And as someone who spends time helping others reimagine their wardrobes and rediscover themselves, I wanted to take a moment to share a bit of my own journey this year.
If I had to sum up 2024, it might be labelled healing growth. At the start of the year, I chose “joy” as my guiding star. I’ll admit, I didn’t hit the mark as often as I’d hoped. There were joyful moments, yes, but this year wasn’t quite the whimsical adventure I’d imagined. Instead, it became a year of deep, somewhat unglamorous growth, the kind you only see properly the more it’s in hindsight, the kind that shapes you. But also brings soothing and peace at the same time.
My intuition tells me it was a year to lay the right foundations so I can built the future that I really want and need. I have better clarity, increasing each year, on what my values mean in practice. In case you were wondering, while I have a lot of values, these are the ones currently at the forefront for me: quality, connection, beauty, honesty, growth.
There was a big wardrobe shift for me this year, but not just in the literal sense of clothes. Although if you are interested in the stats… I decluttered a total of 69 items this year (11 tops, 21 dresses, 16 pairs of pants, 4 skirts, 8 blazers, 9 pairs of shoes). It felt like I was updating the wardrobe of my life. In action this meant letting go of what no longer fit, evaluating and organising the chaos of energies we’re all exposed to, and making space for pieces that reflect the woman I’m becoming. Being up front, I did find it was a process to let go of my old identity and the mental safety net it provided. I’ve also spent a lot of time improving my discernment: What do I say yes to? What deserves my energy? What’s aligned with my standards, my values, and what’s not? That’s been an enjoyable lesson actually… learning to say “no” without guilt and having courage to “yes” when something feels good for my character and wellbeing (although it often came with some nervousness).
In many ways, this year was about stepping into womanhood in its fullest sense. Maybe you’ll resonate with this? A funny feeling of leaving behind the remnants of girlhood and all the insecurities that come with it. It’s not just about maturity, but about a shift in identity, like moving from princess to queen in your own life. A queen knows her value, holds her ground, and doesn’t need to justify it to anyone.
I’ve also embraced “adulting” this year in ways that have surprised me. I’ve acquired and developed new skills, expanded my perspective, and learned to make decisions that are right in the long-term for me, rather than what’s expected or convenient. That’s been both freeing and, frankly, exhausting (I’m looking at you, social media content creation). Growth, as beautiful as it is, rarely comes without discomfort. I mean, that poor caterpillar ain’t feeling super hot as an amoebous morass of gunk while it’s transforming to be a butterfly! But here’s the thing I’ve realised, growth isn’t about becoming someone completely new, it’s about uncovering who you already are (and perhaps have always been) and letting that come to light and ground itself in all that matters.
It’s not all been heavy introspection, though. Beauty has played such an inspirational role in my life. But it’s not just the external beauty of clothes and style (although you KNOW I’m a big believer in those), but the beauty of connection, of moments discovering new connections (yes wonderful reader, you’ve been a vital part of my personal journey), and of finding joy in the little things. I never knew how happy a cup of tea, home baked biscuits, sitting in the garden, and having time to dream would make me.
As I’ve reflected on this year, I’ve realised how important it is to take stock of where you are and where you’re going. Frequently. So I encourage you to do the same this weekend. Take half an hour to pause, no distractions, completely by yourself, to consider and self reflect what 2024 meant to you. What have you let go of? What have you gained? And – this is a big one – how will you honour the person you’ve become through this year’s journey? It’s been a lot, hasn’t it? So much shifting is such a fundamental way.
And a last reminder, if you’re looking for a way to celebrate the beauty of who you, might I suggest something personal, meaningful, and a little indulgent? A Colour Analysis session can support you (or someone close) to step boldly into the year ahead. And for December 2024, every Colour Analysis gift voucher comes with a free online image audit. It’s the perfect way to gift someone (or yourself) the tools to start next year with clarity.
This year has been about planting my feet, living my values better, and stepping fully into my next chapter (no matter how scary that was). I’m grateful for the lessons, the growth, and… grizzle, grizzle, grrrr… the silver lining in the challenges.
And can you guess what my absolute favourite moments were this year? The in person connections with YOU, you beautiful, beautiful person. My treasured clients and real friends. It was an honour and privilege to witness and serve you on your journey. And I continue to think about you, sending you good thoughts and whatever you need right now.
Here’s to closing out the final weeks of 2024 with reflection, grace, and maybe a little sparkle. Get ready for 2025… and finding joy in every step along the way.
