Each new year I pick a song to define the year. Some people pick words or phrases to define their year, I pick songs because it is a bit broader as far as meaning/focus.  You can see all my previous songs of the year by clicking here.

I decided to post this early in hopes of getting you to think about your song, word, or phrase you want to define 2024 for you. Let’s first reflect on what I did in 2023…

This past year (2023), I picked Shania Twain’s “Swingin’ with My Eyes Closed” because I was trying a lot of new things. Therefore, I was swingin’ with my eyes closed and just going for it not knowing the outcome. Here’s what I tried…

I self-published my book, Life Whimsy: How to Think, Play, and Work More Creatively. I did it my way with the content and images I wanted knowing that a publisher would have most likely had a heavy hand in the process. It’s a book that I’m proud of.

I need to prove to myself that I could do it and I did. With it, I hosted a Book Party for 200 people at my home that included a cupcake truck, home tour, margarita machine, photo booth, and more.

It was epic! If you missed it, don’t worry…I’m doing another one this coming spring! Stay tuned for that announcement.

I secretly filmed a portion of a TV show in my workshop and then joined my friend, Sara McDaniel (@simplysoutherncottage) at her renovated Victorian home for the reveal part of the episode that aired on the Magnolia Network.

It aired in October after I hosted a dinner party at my home to celebrate it.

Sara and I also began hosting a part II to our popular PINK Creatives Retreat. We did one in February and one in October…both in Minden, LA at her adorable properties.  (We also hosted two PINK Creatives Retreats in Round Top, Texas at the spectacular Frenchie Boutique Hotel.)

I also launched some new products including Frida coasters and bags. You can still check those out by clicking here. My Frida tees can be found here.

I did a lot of new things, so my song of the year was fitting: “Swingin’ with My Eyes Closed” by Shania Twain.

So, this leaves me with what will be my song for 2024. I’ve chosen “You’re On Your Own, Kid” by Taylor Swift. I was on a walk this past week wondering what my song should be when this song chose me. I burst into tears.  I didn’t want this to be it, but this is where I’m at right now. I’ve been grieving a loss that has been there my whole life since my childhood. I’m just now understanding it and dealing with it.

The lyrics to this song, “Your on your own, kid, you always have been” is a source of comfort that I can make it. I can face it. I’m sharing this with you because our personal lives affect our public/business lives. This is personal for me.

‘Cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned
Everything you lose is a step you take
So make the friendship bracelets
Take the moment and taste it
You’ve got no reason to be afraid
You’re on your own, kid
Yeah, you can face this
You’re on your own, kid
You always have been

I’m turning some pages in my life. I’m going to make those friendship bracelets and appreciate the moments. There’s no reason to be afraid of the future. I can do it because I’ve always been doing it.

And so can you. I hope this is inspiring to you if you are facing tough things right now. You’re on your own kid, yeah, you can face this. You’re on your own kid, you always have been.