Happy New Year, glow getters! We made it!!

As I reflect on this past year and look ahead to the new year, I’m reminded of the lessons that helped me grow and guided my journey. These gems are the foundation I’m building on in 2025—reminders to live intentionally, prioritize what matters, and step boldly into opportunities. May the year ahead be one where we not merely survive, but one where we thrive and shine! Here are the top 10 life lessons I’m carrying with me into the new year, along with ways for you to gather your own gems from these insights.

1. Order Must Come Before Overflow

I so desperately wanted my word for 2024 to be overflow, but I felt God nudging me towards order. The lesson I had to learn was that through creating more order in my life—whether through organizing my space, managing my time, or setting clearer priorities—it naturally leads to abundance. Chaos only holds me back, but a structured foundation sets the stage for everything I want to achieve. Overflow, whether in peace, joy, or success, begins with putting first things first.

• Consider This: What area of your life feels chaotic or disorganized? How can you create order to invite more peace and productivity?

• Affirmation: When I prioritize order, I create space for overflow and abundance.

2. Perfectionism Prevents Progress

“Done is better than perfect” has become my mantra. I’ve learned that waiting for the perfect moment or outcome often results in missed opportunities. In fact, I’ve learned I can’t control outcomes…only my output. Whether it was completing a home project, putting out a piece of content or launching an idea, letting go of perfectionism helped me move forward and see real progress. Imperfect action still counts—and it’s often what sparks growth.

• Consider This: Is there a goal or project you’ve been putting off because you’re waiting for perfection? What’s one small step you can take today to move forward?

• Tip: Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate progress rather than perfection.

3. A Well-Rounded Life Looks Good on YOU

From nurturing my career and family to traveling, enjoying date nights, and spending time with friends, I’ve found joy in the multifaceted pieces and interests in my life. A well-rounded life doesn’t mean I do everything perfectly, but it does mean I make an effort to be present and intentional in the areas that matter most.

• Consider This: What areas of your life feel neglected? How can you bring more harmony to your week by being intentional with your time?

• Affirmation: I am creating a life that I deeply love and that reflects my values, passions, and purpose.

4. When YOU Honor YOUR Bandwidth, YOUR Nervous System WILL Thanks YOU

Last year, I embraced the power of implementing practices and setting boundaries to protect my peace. And as someone diagnosed with anxiety disorder, honoring my limits has been transformative—not just for my mental and physical health, but for how I show up for myself, my family, work, and community. By respecting my bandwidth, I’ve experienced more calm, clarity, and fulfillment.

• Consider This: Are there commitments you’ve taken on that don’t align with your capacity? What can you let go of to protect your peace?

• Tip: Use this mantra: “No” is a complete sentence and a form of self-care.

5. You Can Do a Lot, But Not Everything

As much as I’d love to excel in every area of my life, I’ve learned to accept that I can’t do it all—and that’s okay. Instead of spreading myself too thin, I focus on what I can do and do it well. Letting go of the pressure to be everything for everyone or to go after everything allows me to show up fully for what matters most. This has been key as a creator. While there are multiple platforms I could be on and things I could be doing, I’ve resolved to thrive in my current lane and to move the next only when/if it’s the right time.

• Consider This: What’s one responsibility or task you can delegate or release to make room for what truly matters?

• Affirmation: I release the need to do it all and focus on what aligns with my purpose.

6. Prioritizing YOUR Mental Health Is Key

This year, I made intentional moves to prioritize my mental health. From therapy sessions and meeting with my psychiatrist to practicing breathing techniques and managing overstimulation, I learned that anxiety doesn’t have the final say. Taking care of my mental well-being isn’t just necessary—it’s powerful.

• Consider This: What’s one step you can take to prioritize your mental health this week? (Therapy, journaling, deep breathing, or simply taking a break.)

• Tip: Start with 5 minutes a day of mindful breathing or a gratitude practice to center yourself.

7. Anchor in YOUR Gifts

Distractions will always exist, but this year I leaned into my unique gifts and saw how they created opportunities. Whether speaking at events, co-hosting gatherings, launching a private Instagram community, or producing authentic, value adding content, I’ve learned that my gifts have the power to make room for me. Anchoring in them keeps me grounded and focused.

• Consider This: What is one gift or skill you can lean into more this year? How can you nurture it?

• Affirmation: My gifts make room for me and create opportunities aligned with my purpose.

8. Closed Mouths Don’t Get Fed

This lesson ties directly to the importance of putting myself out there. Whether it’s advocating for myself in professional settings, asking for help as I juggle work and family, pitching to aligned brand partners, or voicing my needs, I’ve learned that silence doesn’t serve me. Speaking up opens doors and lends to support.

• Consider This: Where in your life do you need to speak up or advocate for yourself?

• Tip: Practice making one bold ask this week—it could be at work, with family, or for a personal goal.

9. Perspective Is Everything

The way I view challenges determines how I navigate them. A setback isn’t the end—it’s often a setup for something greater. Shifting my perspective from frustration to faith has helped me tackle obstacles with resilience and grace, knowing that every season has a purpose.

• Consider This: How can you reframe a current challenge to see the potential opportunity within it?

• Affirmation: I choose to see setbacks as setups for something greater.

10. YOU’RE Living in Answered Prayers

One of the most humbling realizations this year was that so much of what I once prayed for is now my reality. My children, my home, and even opportunities in my business are reminders of God’s faithfulness. Living in answered prayers fuels my gratitude and encourages me to continue trusting in the process.

• Consider This: What’s one blessing in your life that you once prayed for? How can you honor that blessing with gratitude today?

• Affirmation: I am living in the blessings I once prayed for, and I trust in the abundance yet to come.

Each of these lessons has shaped my journey and reminded me of the beauty of intentional living. As I step into 2025, I hope these gems inspire you to reflect on your own takeaways and step boldly into the new year with purpose and grace.

What life lessons are you carrying into 2025? Share your reflections in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

Keep glowing,

Shalyce