Embracing the Messy, Beautiful Chaos of Life

How’s your year been treating you?

Are you walking into 2024 feeling energised, colour-coded, and ready to take on the world or are you more in the camp of “we remembered to brush our teeth, get dressed, and feed the kids… we’re winning”?

Let’s be honest: sometimes it’s the small victories that matter most.

For me, 2023 has been one of the wildest rides yet. I usually like to take a moment as the year ends light a candle, make a cup of tea, reflect on where I’ve been and where I’m going. But this time around, life had other ideas.

Running a business, being a partner, and raising four incredible kids would be enough on its own. But this year, we also took the leap into home educating a massive shift that’s come with all the ups, downs, and learning curves you’d imagine. On top of that? There were hospital appointments, house projects (including a not-so-fun war with mould), and just the general chaos of life.

There were days when everything felt like a blur between radio shows, podcast recordings, festive season prep, and trying to recover from the occasional illness, I found myself craving just one moment of stillness. As an introvert, I’ve missed those quiet pauses to breathe, reflect, and dream.

But here’s the thing I’ve learned this year: chaos doesn’t mean failure.

In fact, there’s been so much unexpected joy in simply allowing myself to be to serve my family, to let go of perfection, and to notice the beauty right in front of me.

A massive thank you to Amy, who introduced me to the wonders of slow living. That simple concept of choosing presence over pressure has reshaped how I move through the day. My personal dreams and business goals are still alive and well, but I’ve realised they don’t need to happen all at once.

Because while I’ve been “off track” by some standards, life has been moving. My youngest is starting to do more independently. My little boy has discovered a love of drawing. And somehow, I have two teenagers now one of whom is sitting exams and handling it all with such bravery.

Time is flying. And I’m doing my best to soak in every messy, noisy, magical moment.

So, whether your year has been a whirlwind, a steady sail, or something in between I hope you’re able to find space to appreciate your season, just as it is.

If you’re already goal-setting and charging into 2024 with intention go you! I’m cheering you on. But if you’re still sitting in the mess of it all, still catching your breath that’s okay too. Give yourself grace.

There is beauty in slowing down. There is strength in showing up. And there is so much power in allowing your pace to be enough.

Here’s to the joy of presence. Here’s to embracing the chaos. And here’s to a new year that meets us where we are, not where we think we should be.

Wishing you all the love, rest, and good things in 2024.

With warmth,
Kayleigh xx