What anchored me in 2024
2024 was amazing, and hard, and beautiful … and hard.
(Yes, I said “hard” twice. Not a typo.)
Through it all, I found myself holding tightly to the things that kept me steady amidst the highs and lows. I’ve come to believe that balance isn’t about avoiding the extremes, but about having a strong foundation to stand on as you navigate life’s inevitable ups and downs.
I’ve come to believe that balance isn’t about avoiding the extremes, but about having a strong foundation to stand on as you navigate life’s inevitable ups and downs.
As I reflect on 2024, here’s what anchored me this year:
1. Family First
This year reminded me of the irreplaceable value of family.
In July, we traveled with my mom to her hometown outside of Strasbourg, France, where we were warmly embraced by family we hadn’t seen in 20 years. It’s amazing how so much time can pass, yet there remains a sense of home with those who are kin. Watching my niece and nephew embrace the experience of being in a new country with courage and enthusiasm, seeing my mom in her true element, and eating all the Tarte Flambée and Steak Frites we could handle made for an unforgettable trip.
We also celebrated my dad’s 70th birthday in San Diego, CA—a place we spent countless childhood vacations building memories. It was wonderful to celebrate this milestone while strolling down memory lane.
I wish time could stand still in these precious moments together.
Later in the year, we said goodbye to my husband’s grandparents, who, after 70+ years together, passed away just three weeks apart. It was bittersweet—grief and loss paired with a profound reminder of partnership and life’s cycles.
Anchoring myself in family meant that between the big trips and celebrations, I also prioritized being as present as possible for the kids’ baseball games, family game nights, and simple dinners together.
Anchoring myself in family meant that between the big trips and celebrations, I also prioritized being as present as possible for the kids’ baseball games, family game nights, and simple dinners together.
2. The Foundation of Health
The older I get, the clearer it becomes: without our health, we have nothing.
This year, I took meaningful steps toward becoming a healthier version of myself.
Health was no longer defined by a number on the scale but by how I felt in my body and how I showed up for myself. Giving up Coca-Cola may seem like a small change, but it was a big step in letting go of a habit that didn’t serve me. (This week, I’m celebrating 250 days without soda—not that I’m counting or anything!)
For years, I tried to quit but struggled. Ultimately, it came down to letting go of shame, giving myself grace, and embracing progress over perfection.
We also faced a frightening health scare with a family member this fall. Thankfully, she received excellent care and recovered, but it was a stark reminder of how quickly circumstances can change—and how our priorities shift along with them.
Anchoring myself in health meant caring for my own well-being while treasuring the health of those around me.
Anchoring myself in health meant caring for my own well-being while treasuring the health of those around me.
3. Deepening Self-Awareness
I’ve always been a reflective person, but this year I went deeper. Therapy became a safe and important space for me—a space to better understand myself so I could show up more fully in my relationships.
I learned that healthy relationships with my partner, friends, and family begin with knowing myself: what I want, what I need, and what I value. Being able to understand these things and communicate them clearly allowed me to grow alongside my relationships.
Anchoring myself in self-awareness meant doing the vulnerable work of looking inward and growing, which is never easy but always worth it.
Anchoring myself in self-awareness meant doing the vulnerable work of looking inward and growing, which is never easy but always worth it.
4. Joy and Adventure in the Everyday
This year, I leaned into the simple joys: admiring the vibrant Colorado fall leaves, sharing laughter with friends, and participating in moon ceremonies.
I also embraced adventure by crossing “hot air balloon ride” off my “40 by 40 list.” (Yes, I’m still making my way through the list!)
Anchoring myself in joy meant intentionally creating space for beauty, new experiences, and moments of wonder.
Anchoring myself in joy meant intentionally creating space for beauty, new experiences, and moments of wonder.
5. Patience as a Practice
Patience doesn’t always come naturally to me, but this year I made it a focus. I challenged myself to fix things instead of immediately replacing them and to tackle projects I might have previously outsourced.
I wanted to remind myself that I’m capable of slowing down and finding satisfaction in the process.
Whether it was waiting on house projects or experimenting with art, patience became an intentional practice.
Anchoring myself in patience meant embracing the value of the process itself—not just the outcome.
Anchoring myself in patience meant embracing the value of the process itself—not just the outcome.
2024 wasn’t always easy, but it was full of adventure, happiness, and growth, and for that, I’m grateful.
These anchors grounded me through the challenges, joys, and growth of the year.
As I move into 2025, I carry these anchors with me, ready to face whatever lies ahead with a strong foundation and curiosity.
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About the author: Kelly (Underell) Stevens is an alignment coach and speaker dedicated to helping women leaders and entrepreneurs grow their impact and live life on their own terms by giving them the tools to choose less and show up for themselves. Learn more at www.kellystevens.co.