Few reflections on 2024: journey of growth, learning and trust.
Hello 2025, and before I say good-bye to 2024, I want to leave a reflection.
2024 will be a year to remember—not because it was easy, but because it was exactly what I needed. It was a year that tested me, challenged me in a special way, stretched me, and showed me parts of myself I hadn’t yet discovered. A year that left me with a heart full of gratitude and a mind loaded with lessons.
I entered 2024 after my first full year being a mother, stepping back into my life as an entrepreneur and freelancer. I had been away on parental leave—Elternzeit, as we call it here in Germany—and the uncertainty was palpable. I worried deeply about many things: Would my business still be there when I returned? Would the contracts I’d left behind return to me? Would I be able to pick up where I left off and make the money I wanted, etc?
Looking back now, I realize most of those thoughts came from fear and were an illusion—born of existential angst rather than reality. Thankfully, none of those fears came true. Instead, 2024 was an incredible year of growth, both personally and professionally.
The year started with a steep learning curve. It was a delicate dance between my ambition, work, family, life in general and the constant hum of household chores. But somehow, we found our rhythm. My husband’s unpredictable life as a start-up entrepreneur and my own freelance / entrepreneur life seemed actually the right fit for us if I am deeply honest and we did find a way to make it all work, even after all the threats of the Kita Streik and the stress it caused. We did manage to create a balance—one that, while never perfect, was good enough for all the parts involved. And that, in itself, felt like a victory.
Professionally, I was blessed with a remarkable group of clients—entrepreneurs, business leaders, and individuals seeking professional change. The coaching work I did with them grew me in ways I hadn’t expected. I learned from their journeys just as much as they learned from mine. I had fascinating projects, new initiatives in my business and brand www.happyworklife.de, and the kind of meaningful work that makes everything worth it.
2024 left me with a few key reflections that I now hold dear:
- A growth & abundance mindset is essential:
The universe has a funny way of giving you exactly what you need when you need it. Trusting in the abundance of opportunities—especially in moments of doubt—has been a game-changer. Abundance is not just about money or material things, but the flow of possibilities, relationships, and opportunities.
- Trust yourself:
If there’s one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s the importance of trusting yourself—your gut feeling, your intuition, your Bauchgefühl, whatever you want to call it. It’s easy to second-guess yourself, but I’ve found that when I trust my inner voice, the path becomes clearer. The more I listen, the more I’m guided towards what feels right for me.
- Authenticity is non-negotiable:
If I’ve learned anything, it’s that authenticity is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. You can only stand out and align with your true self by being real and unapologetic in who you are. In my professional journey, I’ve realized that when I show up authentically, the right people and opportunities are magnetized to me. Authenticity is the bedrock of everything I do.
- Values Matter—live them:
Values are not just words we say. They must be lived. This year, I’ve learned that living in alignment with your values is what brings real fulfillment. It’s not enough to say you believe in something—you must show up and act according to those beliefs, every day.
- Like-minded people is everything:
There’s power in surrounding yourself with people who share your vision, who understand your journey, and who are on a similar path. Having a community is everything, it’s the sense of belonging to something bigger than yourself that makes all the difference. I’ve found that having a supportive community—whether it’s fellow entrepreneurs, clients, or friends—is vital for shared growth and success.
- Magic lies in details:
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often forget that magic is in the small things. The thoughtful word, the unexpected hug, the kindness shown in a quiet moment. I’ve come to realize that in my work, it’s the little things that matter the most—taking that extra moment to listen to a client, sending a simple message of appreciation, or offering help when it’s least expected. These are the moments that build real connections.
Last, and certainly not least, 2024 gifted me something truly special—a little miracle. It left me with a pregnant belly. This was the surprise of a lifetime, a Geschenk (gift) from God that will complete our family. A little brother for my daughter, a buddy for my husband, and a prince to make our hearts even fuller. His name is “Lewis B.” and is due the first month of this 2025. Thank you, little one, for choosing me as your mommy. You have already marked my 2024, and you will continue to mark my 2025 with the sweetness, joy, and wonder only a child can bring. I feel incredibly blessed and ready to welcome you into our lives —this time, with more experience, more wisdom, and an even deeper sense of gratitude.
