Change Is the Only Constant

This has been the longest year of my life. It’s not one of those years where I look back and wonder, “Where did the time go?” Nope. With two young kids—Hazel (1) and Eddie (4)—I’m firmly in the “days are long, but the years are (apparently) short” stage of life.

2024 has been a rollercoaster for my family. A year ago, in December 2023, Andrew was in Denver for work, Hazel was just a few weeks old, and we got wind of a potential “game changer”: Andrew may be offered his dream job and this may require us to relocate to Denver, Colorado, USA. I did not even know where this place was on a map, let alone any person or anything else.

Talk about timing... Postpartum hormones had me craving stability and nesting, not upheaval and uncertainty. As we celebrated New Year’s Eve with our dear friends and family, I could not even think about what 2024 might hold without crying and getting emotional. The "what-ifs" of Andrew’s job, the move, and how our lives might change felt incredibly overwhelming.

We started the year quietly, enjoying our time as a new family of four. The highlight? Andrew finally became an Australian citizen on January 26 2024 after YEARS of paperwork, patience, and persistence. A moment of joy and relief.

Fast forward to October 23 2024, when we (finally!) officially made the move to Denver.

This year, I’ve been in my stay-at-home-mum (SAHM) era, full-time with Hazel, navigating the highs and lows of transition while reflecting on everything this journey has taught me.

Lessons from a Year of Change

1. Change is the only constant. Growth, learning, and evolution are the essence of life.
2. Success and sacrifice are two sides of the same coin. You can have it all, but not all at once—especially when balancing family, ambition, career, and the ever-changing seasons of life.
3. The right choice for your family may be the hardest for you personally. But in the end, it’s the one that feels right when you trust your instincts.
4. "Having it all" means different things at different times. Define it for yourself based on your current season of life, career, and relationships.
5. Saying no is hard. But sometimes it’s the most necessary thing.
6. Crying is cathartic. A powerful act of self-compassion.
7. Routine and stability are luxuries. Never again will I take them for granted.

What’s Next

In the coming weeks, I’ll share some behind-the-scenes moments from our move, the lessons we’ve learned, and how we’re settling into this new chapter.?

I know many families go through similar upheavals, for various reasons, each with their unique challenges, so I hope these reflections resonate with you.?

How has 2024 been for you? Have you experienced big changes, made tough sacrifices, or celebrated hard-earned successes? I would love to hear from you in my comments or DMs.

Thank you for being here.?

I am wishing you all the very best,?

Rose