Enough: The Word That Guided My Year - Newsletter #26

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As we close the final chapter of 2024, I reflect on this year's journey. Back in January, I chose the word ‘Enough’ to guide me—a word that felt equal parts comforting and challenging. It was a declaration and a question, a reminder and an aspiration. Little did I know how deeply it would weave itself into the fabric of the year, shaping my experiences, my mindset, and my actions.

The word ‘Enough’ was my companion as I navigated a year filled with both triumphs and trials. It reminded me to celebrate the victories, large and small, without diminishing their significance or comparing them to anyone else’s. This year, I had the privilege of traveling far and wide to share my voice and perspective. From the vibrant energy of Seattle to the historic streets of Paris, the innovation hubs in Berlin, and the warm familiarity of Chicago, each destination brought new opportunities to connect, inspire, and build community.

One of the most fulfilling parts of this year was lifting up young women and emerging talent. Whether on stage at conferences or in quieter mentorship moments, I saw firsthand the power of recognizing that we—individually and collectively—are enough. These moments reminded me of the strength that comes from community, from choosing to uplift rather than compete, and from seeing potential where others might see limitations. I saw glimpses of the future in their eyes, and it is bright, fiery and determined.

Yet, ‘Enough’ also whispered its truths during the more challenging times. The election season, for example, was a sobering reminder of the deep divides and the work still to be done. It was a time when I questioned if my efforts, my voice, or my actions could ever be enough in the face of such complexity. But ‘Enough’ also served as a grounding force, reminding me that the effort to make a difference—however small—matters. It’s in showing up, in speaking out, and in persisting that change begins to take root. I find that most people have “things going on” and I often say “look behind the smiling eyes” so working hard to lead with empathy is so important. I wish the world had more empathy and that our buckets were more full than empty or “more than enough” to go around.

On a personal level, ‘Enough’ asked me to look inward, to confront my doubts and insecurities, and to silence the voice that insists on doing more, being more, achieving more. Sometimes disconnecting old patterns, people and practices that were not serving are also part of the journey and those decisions are hard, and the actions to be taken, many times the most difficult ones to tackle. This year was a lesson in sufficiency—in recognizing that who I am and what I bring to the table is already enough. This shift in perspective was not always easy, but it was transformative. It allowed me to set boundaries, to say ‘no’ without guilt, and to say ‘yes’ with full intention. This part is a constant that I work on every day and is a work in progress (WIP).

Looking back, I see how ‘Enough’ shaped not only how I approached the year but also how I experienced it. It showed up in my decision-making, my relationships, and my work. It infused my travels with purpose, my challenges with resilience, and my successes with gratitude. ‘Enough’ taught me to value progress over perfection (this one is hard for me), to prioritize what truly matters, and to trust that even in uncertainty, I am equipped to move forward.

As the year draws to a close, I find myself filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the places I’ve been, the people I’ve met, and the lessons I’ve learned. Gratitude for the moments of joy, connection, and growth. And yes, even gratitude for the hard times, because they reminded me of my strength and resilience and that I truly have a beautiful community of friends and family (all of you) who are so lovely and supportive.

So, as we prepare to step into 2025, I carry with me the lessons of ‘Enough.’ It’s not just a word; it’s a mindset and a way of being. It’s a reminder that while we may not always have all the answers or see the full path ahead, we have what we need to take the next step. And that is enough.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Whether we’ve crossed paths in person, connected through words, or shared a moment of understanding, you’ve been part of what made this year meaningful. Let’s continue to build, to lift each other up, and to move forward with intention and purpose.

Wishing you a year ahead filled with ‘Enough’—enough joy to sustain you, enough challenges to grow you, and enough love to carry you through.

I am ruminating on choosing a new word for 2025…and will share it soon, and I hope to know yours if you choose to share. 

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