WHAT WE TAKE, WHAT WE LEAVE: A JOURNEY OF GROWTH

Life is a constant tension between holding on and letting go. Each year, we are faced with choices about what we will carry forward and what we will leave behind. Some of these decisions come easily; others feel like they cut to the core of who we are. Yet in the act of choosing—of taking and leaving—we shape not only our lives but also the meaning we find in the moments that define us.

This year has been one of reflection, challenge, and renewal. It’s been a season of asking hard questions, sitting with difficult realities, and holding hope for what’s ahead. As we close one chapter and step into the next, I’m considering the things I’m choosing to leave behind in 2024 and those I’m intentionally carrying with me into 2025.

Leaving Behind in 2024:

The Weight of Uncertainty

Life is filled with unknowns, but this year I’m letting go of the endless waiting for resolutions that are beyond my control. Whether it’s plans delayed or outcomes unclear, I’m releasing the need to have all the answers and embracing trust in the process.

The Strain of Proving

For too long, I’ve felt the pressure to convince others of my reality—whether it’s health struggles, financial challenges, or things that have happened to me in the past. I’m choosing to let go of this burden, recognizing that truth doesn’t require validation to be real.

Emotional Clutter

For several reasons, resurfaced family dynamics and childhood pain have weighed heavily this year. While I’m grateful and honor the lessons and experiences that shaped me, I’m releasing the emotional clutter that comes along with it. Healing means making space for growth, not carrying the same wounds forward.

Fragile Foundations

This year has been a reminder of how easily systems can fail us—whether it’s technology, finances, or even our sense of stability. I’m leaving behind dependence on what is unreliable and focusing on building stronger, more sustainable foundations.

Disconnection in the Chaos

When life is busy, relationships often take a backseat. Balancing roles as a spouse, parent, and business partner has grown the challenge of disconnection. I’m letting go of the patterns that create distance and seeking deeper connection in the everyday moments.

The Pressure of Unrealistic Expectations

Homeschooling, running businesses, and managing family life often come with the expectation of perfection. This year, I’m leaving behind the idea that things need to look a certain way and embracing the beauty of progress over perfection.

Isolation in Busyness

Running multiple businesses has often felt lonely, even as it’s been fulfilling. I’m choosing to leave behind the isolation that comes with busyness, prioritizing genuine community and connection.

The Grip of Loss

From identity left, the bank losing all our money, to disrupted plans, this year has held its share of disappointments. I’m letting go of the pain of what didn’t go as planned and focusing instead on what’s still possible.

Overextending for Approval

Saying “yes” when I mean “no,” overcommitting to meet the expectations of others—these patterns have left me drained. I’m continuing to leave behind the need for external validation and prioritize peace, health, and joy.

Taking With Me into 2025:

Daily Rhythms of Health

This year has shown me the value of small, consistent actions. I’m taking with me the daily practices of yoga, walks, and strength training—not as a chore, but as a gift to my body and mind.

The Joy of Learning

Homeschooling has been a challenging yet rewarding journey. I’m embracing the next season with creativity and fun, focusing on how learning not only shapes my kids but also me. Growth is messy, but it’s always meaningful.

Creative Energy in Business

Working on new projects and offerings for our businesses has been a highlight of this year. I’m carrying forward the creative momentum to bring fresh ideas to life and find joy in the work, even in the face of all the challenges.

Grounded in Growth

Gardening, raising animals, and caring for our sweet dog Monica have become grounding rituals for my family. These simple acts remind me of the importance of nurturing—not just plants or pets, but relationships and dreams.

The Gift of Friendship

This year, friendships have been a lifeline through some pretty intense storms of uncertainty. I’m taking with me a deeper appreciation for the people who’ve shown up, and I’m committing to nurturing those friendships in return.

A Practice of Reflection

Reading more, writing more, and carving out time to pause have been transformative this year. Reflection isn’t just about looking back; it’s about preparing to move forward with intention and clarity.

Authenticity in Connection

I’m taking with me the commitment to build genuine community—focused on compassion, sensitivity, and caring about the things that truly matter. Surface-level relationships have no place in a life built on meaning.

Strengthened Togetherness

Co-navigating life as a spouse, parent, and business partner has taught me the importance of shared purpose. I’m carrying forward the lessons of how to work together with grace, understanding, and love.

Hopeful Foundations

Despite challenges, this year has been a reminder that hope is never out of reach. I’m moving forward with resilience, letting the past refine me but not define me, and choosing to believe in the beauty of what’s still ahead.

Choosing What to Carry

What we take and what we leave behind shapes who we become. It’s not always easy to make these choices—to release the things that once felt essential or to hold tightly to the things that demand more effort. But in doing so, we create a life aligned with our deepest values and hopes.

As we step into 2025, I invite you to reflect on your own journey. What are you ready to leave behind? And what are you choosing to take with you?

Because in the end, life isn’t about carrying everything—it’s about carrying the right things. And that makes all the difference.

| Credits: Author: Jacintha Payne; Photography - Ali Henderson |