2024… A year that began with so much promise.
2024… A year that began with so much hope.
2024… A year that began with so many expectations.
And yet, 2024 has challenged me in ways I couldn’t have anticipated.
This Thanksgiving week, I want to pause and express my gratitude — not just for the highs, but for the lessons and growth that came from the lows. The past month, especially, has offered lessons I never asked for but somehow needed.
First and foremost, I’m grateful for everything involving Pete. With my whole heart, I mean that. I’m grateful for the decade of love and memories we shared. I’m grateful for that one last walk together. I’m even grateful for the way he passed — swiftly, without prolonged suffering. And while the grief of losing him has been brutal, it reminds me that I still have the capacity to love deeply, something I feared was lost.
This grief has knocked me down, yes, but it also means I’m alive, that I’m still capable of feeling. For that, I’m thankful.
On a lighter note, I’m grateful for the 2023–2024 Alabama basketball team. Last season was a whirlwind, a mix of frustration and beauty, capped by an unforgettable NCAA tournament run. Watching them fight their way to the program’s first-ever Final Four — and nearly toppling UConn — was nothing short of magical. I believe it’s only a matter of time before a season ends with Nate Oats standing atop a ladder with scissors in his hands.
I’m also grateful for Nick Saban. The Rose Bowl loss stung, but his contributions to my alma mater and hometown go far beyond the field. The impact of Nick’s Kids Habitat for Humanity projects will resonate for generations. And while this season has had its ups and downs, I’m optimistic that Kalen DeBoer is the right leader to carry the torch. Give it time!
I’m grateful for new beginnings. After being laid off from my Chromebook job in the spring, I dove headfirst into building my business. It’s been a challenging but rewarding journey, laying the groundwork for a powerful future. To the incredible podcast guests I’ve had the privilege to interview and the relationships I’m forming in my new role — thank you. I believe these connections will stand the test of time.
I’m grateful for the power of stories. From The Roots of Joy to witnessing The Love Intention evolve from an idea into a finished project, this year has reminded me why I do what I do. And 2025? It’s going to take everything to the next level.
Most of all, I’m grateful to myself. This year has thrown punches, and I’ve taken my fair share. But like Rocky Balboa, I keep getting up. I’m healthy. I’m safe. And I’m still here.
As long as my heart beats, as long as my lungs draw breath, and as long as my mind keeps firing, I’ll keep striving to make the world a more beautiful, expressive, and compassionate place.
Thank you all for being part of my journey. I love you more than words can say.
