“Awaken yourself to life’s little moments. Be present to the invitations to dance in the deep. You are invited to engage with something bigger than you.” – Morgan Harper Nichols

When “Savor” came to me as my word for 2024, I knew it meant embracing the complex duality of life: to be present with adventure, celebrate the beautiful, and enjoy the feel-good while conversely befriending sadness, holding hands with fear, and hugging hurt.

The (literal) mountain top moments were epic, like snowboarding in Zermatt, Switzerland (home of the Matterhorn), seeing the majestic hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, and cheering on Team USA at the Paris Olympics, to name a few.

But the valleys felt equally devastating, from continuing to process my Dad’s passing (from 2020) to mourning the sudden death of a long-time friend.

Meanwhile, perimenopause waged its war against my body, requiring masters-level research abilities and basic nutrition and pharmacology degrees to dial in my health.

Every day, seemingly, I find new wrinkles lining my face.

To be honest, grappling with both grief and gratitude moment to moment has been exhausting. And I know I’m not alone.

I feel the weight of our collective hearts trying to heal their wounded corners.

Still, all this presence has led to a new level of acceptance. This is the human experience in its fullest expression – a myriad of contradictions and an utter privilege.

More than any year before, I am reminded of how precious today is and that grief is the price of love. 

All I can do is continually refill my reserves of hope, love, and joy, and cultivate contentment through my own belonging. No doubt, I will need all of these in extra measure in 2025.

[Pictured from the top, left to right: Bryce Canyon, Utah; Zermatt, Switerzland (with a view of the Matterhorn); Eiffel Tower decked out for the Olympics in Paris; doing my first-ever canyon in St. George, Utah; watching Noah Lyles win the 100-meter sprint at the Paris Olympics.]