As we wrap up another year, I find myself reflecting on the things that made my year meaningful in 2024. While scrolling through social media, you might see people sharing their massive achievements and breakthrough moments. But you know what? Sometimes the most meaningful highlights aren’t the grandest ones. They’re the simple, precious moments that touch our hearts and shape our journey.
Before I dive into my list, I want to acknowledge something important: if all you did in 2024 was survive and get through it with gratitude and hope, that is absolutely enough. Some years are about massive wins, while others are about quiet resilience. Some years are for climbing mountains. Other years are for learning how to walk on level ground. Some years are filled with fireworks and celebrations. Others are quiet victories of simply making it through each day. Both are equally valuable.
In a world obsessed with external markers of success, sometimes the bravest thing we do is simply continue showing up for ourselves, day after day. No fuss, no flair. Not every year needs to be transformative. Not every chapter needs to be epic.
Let me share the seven surprisingly simple yet profound things that made my year 2024 memorable.
By the way, if you prefer to listen to this as a podcast, please tune into the related Mrs Mummy PhD® podcast episode using the player below or wherever you usually get your podcasts:
1. Our Family Holiday to Barbados: Creating Precious Memories Made My Year
August 2024 brought us one of our most treasured experiences – our family trip to Barbados. This wasn’t just any summer trip; it was a beautiful reunion that brought together family members from various places. My gran, parents, aunt, cousins, and my husband’s family all joined us for what became an unforgettable home gathering.
What made this trip particularly special was its contrast to our previous visit two years ago, when COVID forced us into isolation. This time, we could fully embrace every moment together. The boys had an absolute blast, constantly asking when can we go back. We packed our days with activities and new experiences, but the highlight was undoubtedly ‘The Doctor’s In’ PhD graduation celebration dinner, where I could finally celebrate my academic achievement with my village of family and friends.
2. Celebrating 18 Years of Marriage: A Testament to Love and Growth Made My Year
This year marked our 18th wedding anniversary – or as we joke, “our marriage is officially an adult now!” This milestone holds particular significance for both my husband and me, as we both grew up in divorced homes. To not only maintain our marriage but to continue being deeply in love and providing our children with the stable, loving home we didn’t have, feels like an incredible blessing.
What makes this achievement even more meaningful is hearing from our parents that our marriage serves as a role model for them in their own relationships. Having our parents, who experienced divorce themselves, express admiration for the love and commitment we share is profoundly touching.
3. Professional Growth: Finding Joy in a New Role
January 2024 marked the beginning of a new chapter in my career, and it has been transformative. After leaving a challenging position the previous year, I took a leap of faith that opened doors to incredible opportunities. This decision to choose myself and step away from an unaligned situation so I could focus on my PhD viva prep, cleared the path for amazing professional satisfaction and growth.
In my new leadership role, I’ve found myself thriving with an amazing team. This experience has reinforced the importance of being brave enough to make tough decisions when something isn’t serving you well. Sometimes, closing one door truly does open better ones.
4. PhD Graduation: A Celebration of Purposeful Persistence Made My Year
July 2024 brought one of my proudest moments – my PhD graduation ceremony. While I received my degree officially in October 2023, choosing to attend the summer ceremony rather than the winter one proved the best decision. It ended up being the warmest day of the year, creating the perfect backdrop for celebrations and photos.
The ceremony became even more special when I received a prize for my PhD thesis. This recognition validated my approach to pursuing a PhD while maintaining harmony with family life. It proved that excellence doesn’t require sacrificing what matters most.
This graduation was particularly meaningful as my fifth degree. Unlike my previous postgraduate graduation ceremonies, which I skipped, I chose to fully celebrate this achievement. The loss of a dear friend to cancer two years ago taught me the importance of celebrating our successes more openly and fully. Having my husband and children watch me walk across that stage was a moment I’ll forever cherish.
5. International Conference Trip: Growing Through Challenges
June took me to Canada for an international conference, a journey that proved both challenging and rewarding. Despite juggling multiple responsibilities – from marking MSc dissertations to preparing grant applications – presenting my PhD work to an international audience was incredibly fulfilling.
Even though the return journey became complicated with cancelled flights and unexpected detours through America, the experience taught me valuable lessons. While I didn’t succeed in securing a major research grant I was working on at the time, this “failure” opened doors to new opportunities and learning experiences. Since then, I’ve secured a smaller grant, proving that persistence and learning from setbacks eventually lead to success.
6. Coaching Scholarly Mamas Made My Year
One of the most rewarding aspects of 2024 has been working with amazing coaching clients. Having navigated the challenges of juggling PhD studies with family life and work, I’m now passionate about supporting other Scholarly Mamas through similar journeys.
This year has opened my eyes to just how crucial this support is. When I was in the thick of juggling PhD life, mum life, and work life, I wished I had someone who truly understood this unique challenge. Now, being able to be that person for others has been incredibly fulfilling.
What makes this work particularly meaningful is seeing the transformation in these Scholarly Mamas. They come feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to be perfect in all areas of their lives – trying to be the ideal student, the perfect mother, the accomplished professional – often at the cost of their own well-being. Through our work together, they discover that there’s a better way.
I’ve watched them grow in confidence, finding their own rhythm and learning to blend these different aspects of their lives without sacrificing what matters most. Their feedback has been heartwarming, confirming that this mission to help academic mothers isn’t just a random endeavour – it’s purposeful work that creates real change.
If you’re currently in the midst of your PhD journey as a Mama, juggling home life and work commitments, remember that seeking support isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s a smart strategy for success. The old narrative of having to burn ourselves out to achieve our goals needs to change. We can pursue our academic dreams while staying true to our priorities and maintaining our well-being.
7. Creative Growth: Expanding The Horizons
The final highlight of 2024 has been embracing creativity through my purposeful work via Mrs Mummy PhD®, Scholarly Mamas®, and Doodle Dozen®. This year has been about exploring different ways to support and connect with Scholarly Mamas, and that support has evolved in exciting ways this year.
Our new shop launched this year, offering merchandise to help Scholarly Mamas, like you, wear their whole selves purposefully. It’s been amazing to see how something as simple as a meaningful piece of merchandise can help women feel seen and validated in their journey.
The podcast has been another source of joy and connection and also made my year this year. Maintaining consistent weekly episodes has been a labour of love, and watching our community grow steadily has been incredibly rewarding. Each episode represents an opportunity to reach another Mama who might be feeling alone in her academic journey.
One of our most impactful initiatives this year has been the introduction of FOCUS co-working sessions. These 90-minute sessions have become a powerful tool for fighting procrastination and helping Scholarly Mamas actually get work done. There’s something special about coming together with others who understand your challenges and working alongside them, even virtually.
Beyond these visible achievements, this year has been about exploring new ways to serve our community. Whether through practical tools, emotional support, or creating spaces for connection. Thank you for your kind words of affirmation, showing that there’s a real need for these resources.
Looking ahead to 2025, there are exciting new developments in the pipeline. While I can’t reveal everything just yet, I’m thrilled about the new ways we’ll be able to support Scholarly Mamas in wearing their whole selves purposefully.
Now Looking Forward To 2025
As we step into 2025, I want to remind you that while we can’t control everything, we can set intentions and take small, purposeful steps toward our goals. Whether you’re pursuing academic achievements, juggling family life, or creating something new, remember that success doesn’t always look like we expect it to.
Sometimes, the most meaningful achievements are the simple ones that touch our hearts and help us grow. As we close this chapter of 2024, I’m grateful for these seven surprisingly simple yet profound experiences that made my year.
What made your year special? Remember, every journey is unique, and every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.
Remember Mama, these are our journeys of becoming…
Until next time, sending lots of love and gratitude your way,
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