When I thought about sharing a “highlight reel,” it didn’t feel right. The challenges shaped me just as much—if not more—than the wins. Life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows; it’s about balance. With Yin comes Yang, light comes dark and night comes day. And this year taught me how to sit with the struggles, process them, and grow stronger.
So, here’s my honest reflection on 2024—an unforgettable year of growth, resilience, and healing in the heart of Co. Kildare.
A Bright Start: Opening Our Studio in Kilcullen
The year kicked off on a high note with the official opening of our yoga and wellness studio here in Kilcullen. It was a dream come true to create a space for community, mindfulness, and movement. The first few months were a whirlwind of excitement as I navigated the balancing act of studio life and family life.
February brought another joyful surprise—we found out we were expecting baby number two! The excitement of expanding our family filled our hearts, and for a while, life felt like it was falling into place.
Coping With Loss and Turning to CBT
By Q2, the challenges began to surface. Balancing the demands of running a studio, my career in the military and home life became overwhelming. Then, the unimaginable happened—we lost the baby. The grief was profound, and I found myself navigating an emotional storm I never expected.
In those moments, I turned to the tools I knew could help. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) became a cornerstone of my healing process. With the support of a compassionate counselor, I learned to face the raw emotions, process the grief, and reframe my thoughts in a healthier way.
CBT taught me how to untangle the guilt, sadness, and anger that often accompany loss. It gave me a framework to find my footing again, reminding me that it’s okay to seek help and lean on the practices I’ve always valued—yoga, journaling, breathwork, and meditation.
Kilcullen’s peaceful surroundings became a sanctuary during this time. Quiet walks by the River Liffey and moments of stillness helped me reconnect with myself, and close friends i close conjunction with my practices, helped me piece myself back together, one small step at a time.
Renewal Through Support and Community
As summer arrived, so did a sense of renewal. The love and support of my family, friends, and the Kilcullen community were instrumental in helping me move forward. I embraced new opportunities, including teaching at yoga festivals, supporting local charity events at Kalbarri Kitchen, and completing my Pilates teacher training.
Through these experiences, I was reminded of the importance of focusing on what I could control and allowing myself to sit with my emotions rather than push them aside.
Embracing Both Joy and Grief
By Q4, life had found a steadier rhythm, though grief continued to ebb and flow. November was particularly heavy—it marked my birthday, my child Coby’s birthday, and the due date of the baby we lost. Those milestones were bittersweet, but I leaned on the practices and support systems that had sustained me throughout the year.
CBT continued to play a crucial role in helping me navigate these emotional waves. The tools I learned in therapy gave me the strength to honor my feelings while also finding space for joy and gratitude.
The studio celebrated its first anniversary in December—a moment of pride and reflection. Work also brought its rewards: I completed a challenging military education course (finishing first!) and earned a Level 8 qualification in Leadership, Management, and Defence Studies through Maynooth University.
Lessons From Kilcullen to Carry Into 2025
As the year drew to a close, I took time to reflect on everything 2024 taught me. Living in Kilcullen, surrounded by its natural beauty and strong sense of community, reminded me of the importance of balance. Life isn’t just about the highlights; it’s about finding strength in the struggles and leaning into the tools that help you heal.
CBT, yoga, training, and mindfulness played a huge role in helping me process and rebuild this year. These practices reminded me that it’s okay to not have it all together—and that instagram and social media can really paint an obscured picture of reality.
As we head into 2025, my focus isn’t on chasing perfection or comparing my journey to anyone else’s. It’s about showing up, doing my best, and appreciating the little joys along the way.
If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading. Whether you’re here in Kilcullen, Co. Kildare, or elsewhere, I’d love to hear your thoughts – reach out. Let’s all step into 2025 with kindness—for ourselves and for each other. Here’s to another year of growth, healing, and connection.
With Love and Kindness,
Steve