As I sit down with a cup of tea, reflecting on the end of 2024, I’m reminded of the gratitude and growth this year has brought into my life. There were moments of pure joy, unexpected challenges, and plenty of lessons in between. But if there’s one thing that carried me through, it was practicing gratitude—even when it wasn’t easy.
This year taught me to slow down, embrace gratitude, and notice the small yet meaningful moments that define our days. I think back to moments like dinners with friends where laughter filled the room, or the quiet of an early morning walk when I felt deeply connected to the Lord. Gratitude has a way of anchoring me, even in the busyness and unpredictability of life.
I thought it might be helpful to share how I’m reflecting on 2024 and preparing for 2025, focusing on gratitude and intentional growth. My hope is that this space becomes a little corner of the internet where we can inspire each other, share ideas, and find joy in the everyday moments.
Gratitude and Growth: Lessons from 2024
This year, gratitude has taught me to embrace imperfection and find joy in the process. I hit a big milestone at work this year, and reflecting on the past several years, I’m reminded of God’s faithfulness and how unexpected opportunities can shape us in ways we never imagined. Early on, I didn’t think I’d say yes to a big transition, but with prayer and trust, I embraced a path that has tested me and helped me grow. Through hard seasons, I’ve learned perseverance and gained a deeper hope that comes from knowing God is always working. Gratitude doesn’t come from everything being easy; it comes from seeing how God is present in the midst of it all. That realization has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey this year.
I’ve also learned to recognize the beauty of small, ordinary moments. Like sipping coffee in my chair next to the window while the sun rises or the simple joy of a kind note from a friend. These moments have reminded me that God’s presence often shows up in quiet, unexpected ways, reminding me to slow down and savor the present, even when my life is full of joy and difficulty at the same time.
What about you? What moments of gratitude stood out for you this year?
Reflecting on 2024: Questions to Guide Your Growth
If you’re like me, reflecting on the year can feel a bit overwhelming. Where do you even start? I’ve been asking myself three questions that I hope will be helpful for you too:
- What moments this year filled me with the most joy or gratitude?
- What challenges taught me lessons that I want to carry forward?
- Is there anything I want to do differently in 2025 to grow or live more intentionally?
As I reflect on the rhythms I’ve been building this year—things like starting my mornings with prayer and prioritizing rest—I’m amazed at how much they’ve energized me. I feel a renewed sense of capacity to grow and serve, and I’m seeking the Lord’s guidance for what that looks like. These rhythms haven’t just brought peace; they’ve also given me a sense of readiness to step into new opportunities, trusting I don’t have to have all the answers right away.
Which of these questions resonates with you most?
Looking Ahead to 2025
I’m one of those people who loves the feeling of a fresh start. There’s something so hopeful about a blank calendar and the possibilities it holds. This year, I’m focusing on embracing uncomfortability—choosing the hard but meaningful paths that lead to growth and trusting that joy can flourish along the way. Whether it’s leaning into opportunities for growth, finding courage in challenges, or savoring small, joyful moments, I want to walk into 2025 with both intentionality and delight. Growth and joy can beautifully coexist, and that’s the balance I hope to embrace in the year ahead.
To help me stay grounded in gratitude and intention, I’ve put together a couple of tools that I’m really excited about:
- A prayer book with daily reflections that center on gratitude and praise. It’s been a personal project I’ve been working on over the holidays, and I’m so happy with how it’s come together.
- A journal designed to help you reflect deeply and plan intentionally. It includes prompts for gratitude and reflection, goal-setting, and dreaming about the coming year.
These are things I’ve found helpful, and I’d love to hear what works for you. Do you have any favorite tools or practices that help you stay focused and intentional?
Let’s Start the Year Together
If you’re looking for ways to reflect and reset as we move into 2025, I’d love for you to join me. Whether it’s journaling, praying, or simply pausing to take a deep breath, let’s encourage each other to embrace this next chapter with gratitude and purpose.
I’ll be sharing more about these tools soon, but no pressure at all. For now, I’d love to hear from you! How are you reflecting on 2024 and preparing for the New Year? Do you have practices or tools that help you feel grounded and intentional? Share your thoughts or ideas in the comments below—I’d love to learn from your journey as well.
Here’s to a year full of joy, growth, and gratitude. Thanks for being part of this little community—it means the world to me.
With love,
Emily
Emily K's Place 
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