A powerful question to ponder as the year draws to a close:

“What is one lesson you have learned this year?”

I’ve learned a lot, but the one lesson gleaned from a year of loss, change, grit, academia, stress, joy and surrender… TRUST.

This year, it dawned on me that life is a constant iteration. And I truly, honestly need to trust that everything will work out for the highest good.

This was demonstrated in 2024 by several key transitions:

🙌🏻 The loss of our first miniature schnauzer, Lulu, and supporting the children through this process.

Personally, I was numb for twenty-four hours in the lead up to the choice to put Lulu to sleep. She had several seizures, and was suffering. As my other schnuppies let out a massive howl when I left the house to take Lulu to the vets, I bawled. And this emotional release continued until I returned to my car, after sitting with Lulu for half-an-hour after she was put to rest.

🔁 THE ITERATIVE LESSON: Trust that you have the strength to do the hard things. Being in Lulu’s presence as she passed was the most compassionate thing I’ve ever experienced. It was a beautiful process, and I could honour the unconditional love that Lulu gave us for thirteen years of her life.

🙌🏻 Selling a hospitality business, after twelve months of hard work by our broker.

The post-COVID economic crisis affected rural areas, especially hospitality businesses. Our broker was amazing helping with the sale, but it came at the cost of our stress levels. When you have no end in sight, and feel trapped in a business, it’s like a dark hole. Then, with one sales enquiry light emerges.

I’m thankful for the success of the business, including consistently maintaining 5-bubble TripAdvisor status for six years AND being Finalist in the 2024 Gippsland Business Awards Hospitality category. But it was time to move on.

🔁 THE ITERATIVE LESSON: Trust that there is someone out there, wanting what you’ve got. It’s a matter of timing.

🙌🏻 Securing not only a place in the Master of Business Administration (Social Impact) at the University of New South Wales, but also a President and Vice-Chancellor’s Equity Scholarship.

And then going on to complete the first unit, with Distinction, whilst simultaneously exiting a business.

🔁 THE ITERATIVE LESSON: Trust that you are enough! And you have the brains in your head to go places – to paraphrase Dr Seuss!

🙌🏻 Supporting my children through the biggest moments of their life, so far: the transition to and from high school.

As my daughter navigated the intricate social dynamics of year 7, and the emotional stress that comes with rejection sensitivity, I held space and gave her my heart.

As my son traversed the complexities of year 12, wanting to drop out in term 3 (!!), I let him process his feelings in a safe container.

And as I dealt with my own stress, through weekly psychology sessions with an amazing therapist, I found the gift of self-reliance and surrender.

🔁 THE ITERATIVE LESSON: Trust that each individual has the capacity to solve their own challenges. The gift of compassion, and self-compassion, may be all they need.

🙌🏻 Witnessing my children bloom.

Youth art prize winner (12-15 years Digital Art category) 😍
Year 7 merit award recipient 😍
Year 12 graduate 😍
Monash University scholarship recipient 😍

Proud Mum moments indeed.

🔁 THE ITERATIVE LESSON: As Ghandi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” By trusting in my children, and my own capacity, a growth mindset flowed throughout the household all year long.

🙌🏻 As I close out 2024 – technically unemployed and nervously awaiting for the outcome of job applications – I surrender.

🔁 THE ITERATIVE LESSON: Trust that the right role – aligned with your extensive skillset in: stakeholder engagement; project management; customer experience; communications, brand and content marketing; and business management; your passion for social impact, and your future career visions – will come to fruition in the right time 😉.

So tell me… what is one lesson you have learned this year?

I’m not sure if my return to the yoga mat in 2024 reawakened a capacity to go with the flow of life, but I’m taking this wisdom into 2025, and bringing my visions to life.