Goodbye 2024, Hello 2025: Reflecting on a Year of Connection and Looking Ahead to What’s New

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As the first morning of 2025 greets me, I find myself in that reflective space the New Year always brings. There’s a quiet stillness in this moment, a chance to look back on 2024 and honor all the ways it shaped me—both the hard days that stretched my heart and the moments of connection that filled it.

A Year of Healing and Sharing

When I think of 2024, my mind immediately goes to Healing Hearts Podcast. It was a year of growth for the podcast, not just in episodes or listeners but in depth and purpose. This season brought stories that were raw, brave, and deeply personal. Each guest allowed us to step into their journey—stories of love, unimaginable loss, resilience, and hope.

There were moments behind the mic this year that left a deep mark on my heart—Rachel’s story of navigating pregnancy after loss, Irma’s passion for teaching children about grief, and Lolo’s dedication to creating healing spaces for women all spoke to the resilience of the human spirit. Tori’s story of losing her sister stood out as she shared not only the pain of her loss but also the hope she’s found in honoring her sister’s memory and letting her light guide her forward. Kera’s creation of Get Griefy Magazine further inspired me with its mission to provide a safe space for sharing grief and fostering connection. Each guest reminded me why Healing Hearts Podcast exists—to honor grief, celebrate love, and create a community where no one feels alone.

And then there was the Wave of Light episode. That evening, as I read the names of babies so loved and missed, I felt the profound weight of what it means to hold space for grief and remembrance. I knew I wasn’t just speaking into a microphone; I was speaking to the hearts of parents, reminding them their children are seen, honored, and never forgotten.

Healing Hearts became more than a podcast in 2024—it became a community. Whether through messages, shared stories, or quiet moments of connection, I’ve felt the power of what happens when we open our hearts to one another.

Lessons in Change and Resilience
2024 also brought its share of personal growth. Preparing for our family’s move to Lynchburg pushed me out of my comfort zone. It’s been a process—sorting through boxes, saying goodbye to friends, and balancing the emotional weight of leaving a home we’ve loved.

This year reminded me that change, even when it’s hard, is often where growth happens. Through the tears and the chaos, I’ve learned to lean on the people I love, trust in the unknown, and find strength in the moments that feel uncertain.

Looking Ahead to 2025
If 2024 was about growth and connection, I hope 2025 will be about discovery and new beginnings. Moving to Lynchburg feels like starting a new chapter, and while it’s scary, it’s also exciting.

I have big dreams for Healing Hearts this year. I want to dive even deeper into the stories we share, creating a space where listeners feel held and understood. I want to explore more of what it means to balance grief with joy, to live fully even when life feels uncertain.

And personally, I want to be present for the moments that matter most. I want to embrace this adventure with my family, savoring the little things—family dinners, exploring our new city, and finding beauty in the everyday chaos of life with kids.

A Thank You from My Heart
To everyone who listened to Healing Hearts in 2024, who reached out with kind words, or who trusted me with their story: thank you. You’ve reminded me why I started this journey in the first place.

Here’s to 2025—a year of courage, connection, and stepping into the unknown with an open heart. Let’s take this next step together, one story at a time.


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