A Year of Balance and Capacity
Hello 2025! I really enjoy the turn of a new year and reflecting back on the challenges, triumphs, and lessons that shaped the previous 12 months. When I’m in survival mode and focused on one day at a time, I can easily overlook the growth and change that happens over the course of a year.
I’m taking the time now to look back on the highlights, memories, and lessons learned from 2024, and what I’m setting my sights on for the year ahead. Thank you for joining me on this ride.
A Year of Capacity
If I had to describe 2024 in one word, it would be capacity. This year reminded me that capacity, much like my time, is a commodity.
My workload capacity and mental load capacity hit critical levels at times, and I came to understand just how finite it really is. No matter how busy my day gets or how much responsibility comes my way, I can’t simply increase my capacity. Instead, I’ve had to carefully examine it, removing tasks and responsibilities and trusting others to help carry the load.
Showing up for my family, friends, clients, and community is deeply important to me. But to do so, I need to decrease what’s in my capacity jars—both mental and physical. This year has been a time of reflecting on how to make that possible. One of my main goals for 2025 is to continue this process, letting go of unnecessary burdens so I can be more present in each moment. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary.
Accomplishments Worth Celebrating
2024 brought some proud milestones that make me smile as I look back:
- Regularly releasing Coffee with Counsel, which has connected me with so many of you.
- Completing the waiting room in our new office space — it’s such a welcoming addition!
- Helping host the first free wills and advance directives clinic in Delphos, a project close to my heart.
Each of these accomplishments reminds me why I do what I do: to serve, to connect, and to make a difference in our community.
Lessons and Re-Lessons
This year taught me (again) that asking for help is not a weakness; it’s a strength. By regularly “brain dumping” my responsibilities and delegating where possible, I found ways to stay afloat during busy seasons. And yes, I also had to re-learn the awkward but necessary skill of saying “no.” While it’s uncomfortable in the moment, it’s essential for maintaining balance and sanity.
Proud Moments
One of my proudest moments this year was reaching out to the Legal Aid of Western Ohio to organize the free wills clinic in Delphos. It was a privilege to collaborate on something that gave back to the community, and I’m looking forward to more opportunities like this in 2025.
Unplanned and Unexpected
Not everything went as planned this year. I didn’t quite get around to streamlining my intake process as I had hoped. It’s become clear that improving this process needs to be a priority moving forward to ensure smoother workflows for everyone involved.
On the brighter side, I’m amazed each year by the number of clients I reach. The continued positive feedback on the Coffee with Counsel videos is very much appreciated. Despite my nerves, your encouragement reminds me that these efforts are worthwhile.
Memories to Cherish
This year was also filled with moments that brought me joy and perspective, including:
- Becoming a godmother.
- Hanging out with some awesome friends during the eclipse.
- Watching my cousin become a mother for the first time and meeting sweet Baby Ellaina.
- Giving a presentation at the Delphos Meadows.
- Trips to the Zoo and field trips with my kids.
- Taking the kids to the movie theater. Mildred loves to watch the BIG TV.
- Taking the kids to the Hot Wheels show in Columbus for Luther’s birthday.
- Visiting Uncle-in-law Ben in Wilmington, NC (minus getting stuck in Charlotte and not sleeping for 24+ hours).
- Van Wert County Fair (every year!)
- Riding in the cyber-truck.
- Visiting the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton with the kids.
- Thanksmas in Tennessee with my family.
- Watching Herschel and Clive cut and drag our 2024 Christmas tree from Kaleidoscope Farms.
Each of these memories reminds me of the importance of pausing to soak in the little joys amidst life’s busyness.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As I close the chapter on 2024, I’m letting go of my need for control, or at least trying to. My goal for the coming year is to embrace delegation and trust, both at work and at home. I’m also manifesting love and acceptance for the imperfect, chaotic year to come because that’s life, isn’t it?
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Whether you trusted me with your estate planning or connected with me through Coffee with Counsel, your support means more than I can convey.
Here’s to a new year filled with growth, connection, and moments that make us smile.