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This year, 2024, has been a journey of contrasts—grief and joy, despair and serenity, heartbreak and love. I started the year grappling with the unimaginable loss of my mum. Her passing left a hollow space that words can’t fill, and my heart ached every day for her and my dad, now both gone. I felt untethered, my roots shaken, my identity adrift. Anxiety gripped me tightly, whispering fears about where I was living, what I was doing, and whether I’d ever feel okay again.
Fast forward to now—December. I feel at peace, joyful, strong, and alive in ways I didn’t think possible. What changed?
How did I move from anxiety’s spiral to this place of calm and clarity?
Here’s the truth: I stopped running and started pausing.
The Healing Power of Rest
I gave myself permission to rest, even when it felt indulgent, even when the fear of “falling behind” crept in. I walked, slept, took long showers, and leaned into self-coaching. I reconnected with my boys, called family back in Sheffield, and stayed close to the people who anchored me. Step by step, I shifted my focus from what was lost to what remains—love, connection, and memories that bring smiles instead of tears.
Gratitude and Movement
I whispered daily mantras on my walks: “Thank you for the love, the life, the stability.” These words became a lifeline, reminding me of the solid foundation my parents gave me. I began eating cleaner, drinking less, and embracing movement—not as punishment, but as a way to honour my body.
The Spark of HERstory
Out of this healing space, I rediscovered my fire. HERstory, my transformational talks project, reignited my sense of purpose. It became a mission that brought joy, connection, and a sell-out event that reminded me why I do what I do.
A Fairy Tale Ending
Then came my wedding to Craig—a fairy tale I hadn’t dared to dream of. Preparing for our special day taught me the magic of allowing. I stopped overworking and overgiving, and instead let myself enjoy the season of celebration. I wore a veil, gold shoes, and a white dress, things I once thought weren’t for me. I let friends and family step in with kindness and help, and in doing so, I discovered a new level of joy and lightness.
Lessons in Slowing Down
This year has taught me that healing and growth happen when we:
Face our pain instead of fighting it.
Pause to let life flow instead of forcing it.
Reconnect with loved ones, even through small moments.
Allow ourselves to be without the constant need to do.
Taking time off—more than I thought was “allowed”—was the key to unlocking peace, creativity, and deeper connections.
What About You?
As 2024 draws to a close, I invite you to reflect on your year. What if you gave yourself permission to pause, to dream, to heal? What would you do if you felt free to be and do anything?
If you’re feeling stuck, anxious, or lost, know this: you can move through it. By facing the pain, pausing for reflection, and resetting your focus, you can find new missions and adventures that light up your heart.
Let’s make 2025 your year of transformation.
Are you ready to begin?
I can be by your side.
Love & Stardust, Caron xox
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