Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth, Gratitude and Glamour
The final sunrise of 2024, taken on my deck, unfiltered.
As the year winds down and we prepare to welcome 2025, I find myself in a reflective mood. Sipping on a cozy cup of coffee and watching the sunrise on the last morning of 2024, I can’t help but think about the incredible journey this past year has been. If you’re like me, December brings a mix of nostalgia, pride, and excitement for the future. So, let’s look back together on 2024—a year that brought so much growth, joy, and sparkle into my life, and hopefully into yours too!
2024 Accomplishments and Milestones
2024 was a banner year for my blog, Find Yourself After 40! What started out as an idea more than several years ago, Find Yourself After 40 is now a blog, a website and a Facebook Community dedicated to empowering women over 40 with more than 500 followers! From working with the premier Med Spa in the Valley, The Rejuvenation Center, to bringing you my favorite fashion finds on my new TaptoShop store, to partnering with the inspiring health and wellness coach, Jessica Johnston, founder of the podcast, Together We Battle, this year has allowed me to share my love of beauty, fashion and health and wellness for women over 40 with all of you! I can’t wait to share some of the surprises and updates that I have in store for Find Yourself After 40 in 2025, so stay tuned!
Ups and downs - on the scale
Many of you who have followed my blog know that I lost more than 20 pounds following Weight Watchers and consistently working out in 2023. Well, I have been very transparent with my weight loss journey and despite continuing to work out consistently and meal plan, 2024 definitely had its ups and downs on the scale. Probably more ups than downs to be completely honest. I have been reflecting on my relationship with food, alcohol and body image and I definitely think this is an area of my life that I personally need to work on more in 2025. Not so much in terms of losing weight or exercising more - but in terms of my own mindset. Luckily, I have health and wellness coach Jessica Jonhston, to help me - and you - work on forming sustainable daily healthy habits that will help us achieve our health and wellness goals so we can look good AND feel good in 2025! More about that coming soon…
2024: Travel Highlights
Speaking of ups and downs, 2024 was filled with travel up and down the east coast!
From taking in the breathtaking views of the tumultuous coastline in York, Maine and hiking into the stunning White Mountains of New Hampshire, to attending a lovely wedding at the swanky Harvard Club in beautiful downtown Boston, to dining with friends in the fabulous restaurants of 5th Avenue South in Naples Florida, to waking up to the beautiful sunrises of Kure Beach, North Carolina, 2024 has been filled with amazing adventures, friends and family up and down the East Coast.
I am excited for more travel in 2025 - including a trip to Greece, Turkey and the Greek Isles with our daughter after she graduates high school in June!
Travel continues to remind me of the beauty of connection—both with others and with myself.
A girls’ trip to Naples, Florida with amazing cuisine and cocktails on 5th Avenue South!
Relationships and Connections
This year deepened my relationships in ways I didn’t expect. I celebrated 23 years of marriage with my husband, who, despite our daily bickering and constant arguments over matching socks, continues to be my rock and cheerleader.
As our daughter navigates her senior year of high school and the college search process, 2024 has ushered in a new era of parenting that I am reluctantly learning to navigate- the art of letting go. This new chapter of transitioning to becoming an empty nester will undoubtedly be a theme you will hear more about in 2025.
My friendships—new and old—flourished this year as we shared life’s ups and downs, including the loss of one of our own BCB friends, who is dearly missed.
And, of course, connecting with you, my readers, remains a highlight. Your comments, messages, and support fuel my passion for creating content that resonates.
Wrapping up 2024 with an Attitude of Gratitude
Finally, as I reflect on 2024, I have so much gratitude for my family, friends and colleagues who have cheered me on and supported me along the way.
Although there are too many to name, my husband, daughter and parents are the first on my list who I have to thank-they are the ones who put up with my crazy ideas, new projects and every once in a while, “mommy meltdowns.”
There are, however, a few specific people who I would like to personally thank who have gone out of their way to help me along my journey this year.
First, to Ryan Nolan, of R Nolan Photography, my professional photographer, thank you for helping to elevate my website and brand with your amazing photos. I look forward to continuing to work with you in the new year!
To Steve Novotney, my journalist and writing mentor, thank you for taking time to give me feedback and the opportunity to write articles for Lede News. I would love to do more in 2025!
To Joelle Moray, my entrepreneurial expert, best selling author, speaker and therapist, thank you for sharing your expertise, time and advice! I look forward to working with you more in the new year!
And finally, to my cousin, Jessica Johnston - cancer survivor, health and wellness coach, founder of the Together We Battle podcast, entrepreneur and just generally a BAD ASS woman - thank you for your support, partnership and collaboration. I am so glad we have been able to reconnect in 2024, and I can’t wait for all that 2025 has in store for us and the communities that we are building!
Looking Ahead: Bring on 2025!
As I turn the page to 2025, I’m filled with excitement for what’s to come. There are new projects in the works, more travel planned, and endless opportunities to connect and grow. But most of all, I’m looking forward to continuing this journey with you—celebrating our strengths, embracing our imperfections, and living life to the fullest.
Here’s to a year well-lived and to all the possibilities of the year ahead. Cheers to us, fabulous women over 40!
With love and gratitude,
Stacey Creely
