GOOD-BYE 2024
Goodbye 2024
I'm saying good-bye to 2024 a little early. There were lots of wonderful moments, but I'm going to Irish Good-bye before I push my luck on an ending note. Photography has always been my outlet, my lifeline—the way I connect to the world and to myself. But 2024 brought challenges, answers, profound joys, and gut-wrenching lows in equal measure. And while I’m grateful for the lessons, I’m more than ready to leave this year behind.
Finding Myself: The Gift of Clarity
This year, I finally got the answers I’d been searching for—and no, they weren’t hidden in a self-help book (though I tried that route too). After years of struggling silently, I took the time to seek clarity, and in doing so, I uncovered the truth about myself.
I thrive as someone on the autism spectrum with a sprinkling of ADHD—a combination affectionately known as AuDHD. The diagnosis didn’t change who I am, but it did hand me a manual for the brain I’ve been driving all these years. Spoiler alert: it’s a stick shift, and I’ve been grinding gears for far too long. Understanding this was the greatest gift I could have given myself. It allowed me to validate my struggles and embrace the quirks that make me, me.
This year was about finding clarity and leaning into the tools that help me thrive. It was about learning to laugh at myself when things went sideways and giving myself grace when my body or mind just couldn’t keep up.
This Year Was the Happy-Hard
Let’s talk about the “happy-hard.” Think of it like a rollercoaster: thrilling highs, gut-wrenching lows, and just enough screaming to keep things interesting. 2024 gave me some of the most joyful moments of my life, but it also tested me in ways I never imagined.
There were days when my creativity felt unstoppable and days when brushing my teeth deserved a standing ovation. The aggressive highs—marrying the love of my life, Nick—were matched by challenges and loss that left me questioning everything. But if this year taught me anything, it’s that the extremes are where we grow. I’m learning to trust the universe to take the wheel more often, even though my inner control freak occasionally yells, “Are we there yet?”
The Day I Married My Best Friend
2024 wasn’t all struggle. It was the year I married the love of my life, Nick. Our wedding was more than a celebration of our love; it was a moment that solidified the family we’ve built together. Surrounded by the people who matter most, under the glow of disco balls and the warmth of our kids’ smiles, we promised forever.
Our kids, Ayden and Lucy, were at the center of it all, laughing, dancing, and watching with wide eyes as we sealed our promises. For them, this wasn’t just a wedding; it was a declaration that our family is unshakable, safe, and overflowing with love. Their joy made every moment of the day even more meaningful.
Balancing Passion and Pain
Photography has always been my outlet, my passion, and my way of making sense of the world. But as much as it fuels me, there are days when my body and mind feel at odds. Fibromyalgia throws its aches and pains, and my neurodivergent brain serves up a cocktail of hyperfocus and forgetfulness that keeps me on my toes.
Photography requires patience, focus, and physical effort—whether I’m chasing golden hour or crouching for the perfect angle. But through it all, I’ve learned to adapt. Slowing down doesn’t mean I’m failing; it means I’m giving myself the grace to continue.
This year, I embraced rest as part of the process. I leaned into tools that support me, set boundaries with my time, and allowed myself to create at a pace that respects my limits. It’s not about perfection; it’s about connection—and that’s where the magic happens.
Looking Ahead: Growth, Peace, and Passion
This year wasn’t easy, but it was transformative. I’ve learned to let go of forcing things to happen and trust that the right moments will unfold. Growth isn’t always about big leaps; sometimes, it’s in the quiet pauses, the small victories, and the moments of laughter when everything feels heavy.
Looking ahead, I see growth—not the kind that demands constant hustle, but the kind that embraces peace. My passion for photography will always be my driving force, but now I know it’s okay to rest, to let the light find me instead of chasing it.
Goodbye, 2024. I appreciate you, but you won’t be missed. Here’s to a new year filled with clarity, compassion, and the freedom to embrace every messy, beautiful part of this journey.
