Note No. #19 // 2024 Adventure Log & Year in Review
The highs, the lows, lessons learned, and intentions that shaped the year
As the year winds down, I’m leaning into one of my favorite rituals: reflecting on the past year—the highs, the lows, the lessons learned, and the ways I followed through on my intentions.
This process has been years in the making, pieced together from every framework I could get my hands on: Chris Guillebeau’s Year in Review, Monk Manual, Year Compass, and even Spotify Wrapped. If it helps me reflect, I’ve probably tried it.
It’s not perfect, but neither am I—and that’s the point. This ritual evolves each year, just like I do.
Here’s a look back at everything that made 2024 what it was.
The Highs
What Made This Year Unforgettable?
2024 wasn’t perfect, but it was packed with incredible moments. Here are the ones that stood out:
Wherever Notes: I finally launched my substack! Nearly 20 posts later, it’s become a space I love for sharing ideas, stories, and reflections.
Photographing the Northern Lights: Capturing the auroras in Banff and Whitefish was pure magic—a bucket-list experience that lived up to the hype.
Bucket-List Adventures: Flying over Mt. Cook in New Zealand, exploring Glacier and Banff National Parks, and soaking up Australia’s beauty—it felt like living a dream.
New Zealand Adventures: From ski planes and glaciers to skiing in July, it was absolutely surreal.
Tuscany Cycling Trip: 338 km, 5,830 m of elevation gain, and endless wine, pizza, and pasta—six incredible days with my parents.
Road Tripping Out West: Glacier National Park, Whistler, and Banff with friends, followed by a solo retreat in Montana. That mountain air? Still calling my name.
French Château in Normandy: Castle vibes, meaningful conversations, and new friends—plus some quality time with my best friend, Tom.
Music Moments: Sleep Token in Brussels with Tom—the perfect way to cap off another insane year of travel. 21 Pilots with Ian—one of my closest friends, but only the second time we’ve met in person.
Travel Milestones: 58,895 miles flown this year—enough to circle the globe twice. Since 2018, I’ve flown a staggering 288,645 miles. This year added four new countries—New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, and the Philippines—bringing my total to 55.
The Lows
What Challenged Me This Year?
This year wasn’t without its struggles. Some moments hit hard:
Loss and Grief: Losing my grandmother early in the year, navigating a breakup, and home no longer feeling home left me feeling untethered.
Burnout: Travel exhaustion caught up with me, and I let healthy habits slide.
Imposter Syndrome: When I was at my lowest, imposter syndrome showed up loud and clear. It made creating and showing up much harder.
Loneliness: I struggled on and off to feel like I belonged, and initiating connections felt harder than normal.
Even in these moments, I found reasons to keep going. Picking myself up wasn’t easy, but it reminded me that every step forward counts.
Lessons Learned
What Did 2024 Teach Me?
This year came with plenty of reminders and insights:
Imposter Syndrome is a Pattern: It shows up when I’m feeling down. Recognizing that helps me reframe it and move forward anyway.
Letting Go is Hard but Necessary: Not everything—or everyone—is meant to last forever, and that’s okay.
Environment Matters: I thrive in places that align with my values—mountains, simplicity, and good people.
Creativity Needs Play: My best ideas came when I stopped forcing it and let myself experiment, fail, and have fun.
New Ideas Keep Me Moving Forward: Even in the tough times, having something exciting to chase makes all the difference.
Intentions Followed Through
How Did I Show Up This Year?
2024 Focus: Step Into the Arena
This year was all about balancing intentional creativity with keeping things fun and playful.
Unleash Creative Potential
Goal: 12 Substack posts (1 per month).
Result: 20 posts! I didn’t always stick to my original schedule, but I did the thing and exceeded my goal—and that’s a win in my book.
Grow Leadership, Creative Confidence, and Storytelling Skills
(Work-in) Progress: This year was a rollercoaster. Imposter syndrome made it hard to show up, but I leaned into vulnerability, built creative habits, and shared imperfectly. We’ll keep working to find my voice and build these skills in the new year.
Physical and Mental Wellbeing
Result: ….this one didn’t go as planned. Burnout crept in, and I let good habits slide. It’s going to be a long uphill climb. But 2025 is a fresh start, and I’m ready for the fight.
Looking Ahead
2024 wasn’t perfect, but it was real. The wins, lessons, and challenges shaped me into someone ready for what’s next.
And because you’ve been such incredible readers, I’ve got a little holiday surprise coming your way next week. Whether you’re lighting the menorah, cozying up by the tree, or simply reflecting on the year—a little something to help you reflect and set your intentions for 2025. Stay tuned! 🕎🎄✨
Here’s to reflecting on the past, embracing the present, and building the future we want.
Have an amazing holiday season, and I’ll see you in the new year!
We will start 2025 recreating those healthy habits before you decide you've had enough Florida living...