Cheers to an audacious 2024 & ushering in a beautiful 2025.
There is no rush. There is no time limit. There is no linear way to start your new year.
When I created my substack last year, it was not my intention to fall off so abruptly. Please forgive me friends. I’ve missed writing and I hope you’re excited to dive back into my writing journey with me. Looking back, with my last post being in …September… (??) I was preparing for a trip to Europe, a little stressed about my sabbatical coming to an end and very unsure of what the next few months would look like. I know, you’ve missed so much — that’s okay. I documented it all over on my YouTube channel, so you’re welcome to check out those videos. :)
Anyway, let me be one of the many that have already wished you a Happy New Year! 2024 came and went so quickly that with a few days into the new year, I’m amazed at how time can feel so slow and still move so fast. What I love about writing is that I usually write with no plan, but rather when I feel led and have a desire to pen my thoughts with you, in real time. So… I write this at.. 12:01AM (Happy Monday!) with just a quick little love that from me, to you.
Starting today (Monday, Jan. 6) I’ll be fasting corporately with my church and I extend my fast throughout 21-days and it’s always been a way to restart and kickstart setting the tone of the year in every area of my life. As this time of year approaches, I begin to pause from posting on social media and unplugging from being so connected to what everyone is doing, saying, showing, etc. It’s a time where I really begin to seek out what my life is supposed to look and feel like in the new year.
2024 was my year of audacity and looking back, I see how that word took over my heart and mind in some of the most unbelievable ways.
When I think of how incredible yet exhausting last year was, I was so excited to lean into resting, spending time at home with Onyx, and doing lots of nothing over the holiday break. As we entered into 2025, I knew the last few days of the holiday break would bring up feelings of busyness, trying to have a clean home before the clock struck 12 (which didn’t happen) only to feel overwhelmed all over again for not having anything done or feeling truly rested.
And doesn’t that feeling absolutely suck? For me, it totally negates all the resting that I fought so hard for, and as many are going back to work, and returning to things as normal — I’ve been thinking about this all weekend long: There is no rush. There is no time limit. There is no linear way to start your new year.
If you find yourself with laundry piled up, dishes in the sink or a home that isn’t fully decluttered, I want you to know that 1) you’re not alone and 2) there is no rush to ease into this new year.
I think we talk a lot about aspiring to be the “highest” version of ourselves and maybe that version has it all together — while our current and present self — does not reflect that. Or maybe that’s just me? My point is… there is no rush and no rules on how you start your year. This time around, I’m not letting myself feel shame for letting the clock strike 12 and nothing was perfect or in its proper place. This time, I’m giving myself the full month of January to take things slow. Declutter without rushing. Organizing without stress. Simply being with no rules or regulations.
I hope that your 2025 is off to a great start filled with rest, rejuvenation and most importantly, peace of mind. I hope that you are taking each day slow, and being fully present in all your endeavors. And lastly, I hope you’re reading this knowing that you are exactly where you are supposed to be, doing exactly what you’re supposed to do, and easing into January with joy in your heart and calm in your day.
I can’t wait to write more, talk to you all and share more of the journey along the way.
Happy New Year friend. Here’s to bringing in this week with stillness, slowness and lots of ease.
Love you & praying for you.
Jasmine