Lessons 2024 Taught Me
As 2024 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year filled with uncomfortable yet transformative lessons. This was a year where the universe seemed determined to push me out of my comfort zone—again and again—until I finally said, “Okay, I get the message!”
The journey began with a major life change: I lost my job.
For over a decade, I built a rewarding career in talent acquisition, a field I loved for its impact on people and organizations—and on my personal growth. This career took this Brooklyn girl to Beijing, Shanghai, and London, expanding my horizons and my network. It allowed me to see the world and learn from the corporate landscape.
But when you don’t move, the universe moves you.
In early 2024, after ten years with the same company, I was laid off. The news hit hard, and I cycled through a wave of emotions: anger, grief, fear, and wounded ego.
Anger because my contributions no longer held value.
Grief as I questioned, “Who am I without my career?”
Fear about the financial impact on my family.
Ego as I struggled with the loss of financial independence.
Here’s the thing: even before the layoff, I had been contemplating a leap into entrepreneurship. But fear of losing financial stability always held me back. Suddenly, that option was no longer on the table. The universe made the choice for me.
That same month, I was slated to begin a 10-month clinical herbalism apprenticeship. My first instinct was to pull out—it felt financially irresponsible to proceed. But with my husband’s encouragement, I decided to take the leap. That decision marked a turning point: I started taking control of my future.
From there, the pieces began to fall into place. I launched the Casa + Jardin blog to share my love for interiors and what I was learning in herbalism. I poured my energy into my garden, transforming it into a thriving ecosystem. Inspired, I joined Gardenary’s Garden Coaching program to deepen my skills and share my knowledge.
Fast forward to today: I’ve founded two businesses! I’m now a clinical herbalist and the proud owner of Native Roots Garden Studio, a garden consulting and design business. The emotions that once held me back—anger, grief, fear, and ego—have transformed into resilience, curiosity, confidence, and excitement.
What 2024 Taught Me:
Embrace the unknown.
Push past your boundaries.
Lean on your support system.
Trust that you are enough.
So, thank you 2024 for the redirection and growth.
