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As we reflect on 2024, it's clear that our word for the year, Blossom, carried us through a truly transformative journey. While we embraced the beauty of growth, radiance, and new beginnings, the year also brought unexpected trials.
From the difficult economy and the turbulence of an election year to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which tore through Western North Carolina and our beloved Asheville, we faced more than a few storms.
Yet, just as flowers bloom in the most unlikely places, we found light amidst the shadows. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, we were able to act swiftly, launching special initiatives like our Asheville Strong necklaces, the bejeweled mandalas, and our WE ARE grant program. These efforts raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the rebuilding of our community, and thanks to the outpouring of love and support from our SoulKu family, we truly saw the power of resilience and the beauty that can emerge even in the darkest times.
Our Blossom wasn’t just about personal growth; it was about growing stronger together as a community, and witnessing the incredible ways we all came together to help one another bloom.
As we welcome a new year, I find myself deeply reflecting on the fleeting nature of life. A recent loss has shaken me to my core, though it wasn’t my personal loss—it was the loss of someone whose presence in the world was undeniable, a true force. And yet, as swift as life had given her that power, it was gone in an instant. She passed away in late November, leaving behind not just a legacy of influence, but a profound reminder that none of us are guaranteed time. She didn’t know last Christmas would be her last Christmas.
Her passing has caused me to pause and reconsider how we live. We hear often that life is short, but for me, it feels long—long when we spend it focused on what we don’t have, long when we chase an idealized version of happiness that may never come. This woman’s life was full of energy, yet when I look at the end of it, I see the regrets she left behind: wasted time, missed moments, and a focus on all the things that didn’t go right. And it leaves me with one very clear thought: I don’t want to live like that.
This year, we are choosing to Cherish. Cherish each moment, each small thing, each connection. Cherish the quiet mornings, the laughter shared with friends, and the small victories along the way. Because life, in all its ups and downs, is never about the final destination. It’s about the journey—and it’s the moments we often overlook that truly matter. We don’t need to wait for some grand bell to ring. We don’t need to achieve some lofty goal to feel fulfilled. What we have is right here, right now, and it’s more than enough.
As we enter 2025, I invite you to join me in Cherishing the everyday moments that make life extraordinary. Let’s leave the regrets behind and embrace the journey, knowing that it’s not where we end up, but how we live each day, that makes all the difference.
