2024 in Review: Pain, Growth, and a Fresh Start at 40
A year of challenges, growth, and lessons for a stronger, more intentional life at 40.
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Before I dive in, I just want to take a quick moment to thank all of my readers, as well as the Substack community writ large. You have been a world of inspiration, and just the fact that over 140 of you so far have taken the time to join me on this journey means more to me than you’ll ever know.
Here’s to a wonderful 2025…
“I think it’s out,” I gasped.
No pain, no gain they say. More like no pain, no growth. Just ask my shoulder.
How’s that for a hook?
In the fall of 2023, just before Labor Day here in the States, I was attempting to get into the shower.
I managed to slip on I believe some leftover shower gel that had an agenda, and in doing so, while going down, my shoulder went to another ZIP code.
I’ll spare you the details, just in case you’re the squeamish type.
What would follow would be some of the most excruciating pain I’ve ever experienced. Granted, I know there are plenty of worse injuries, but this was one of the worst I have faced so far.
And so would begin my limping into 2024, with a slew of physical therapy appointments on my schedule.
Why bring this up?
Lately I've seen a lot of reflective Substack posts, looking back on the year that was in 2024, and thus felt compelled to share my story this year.
When Life Knocks You Down, What Comes Next?
I forgot to mention I'm left-handed, and it was my left shoulder that was affected, adding insult to injury.
I would ponder, "So this is how we're starting the 40th year?" "Will I be able to play catch and throw with my kids?" "Will I need surgery?" So many questions.
Thankfully, due to the wonderful physical therapy team that aided me, in addition to home exercises, I would not need surgery or additional procedures. The sports medicine doctor even said it would more than likely heal on its own. Whew!
However, entering my 40th year has led me to change my perspective on some things and search for more ways to self-care, taking care of myself both physically and mentally.
A major dislocation will do that to you.
My shoulder is in much better shape than it was last fall (no pun intended), but not going to lie, there are days when the injury still reminds me it's there.
'Well hello buddy and please, take care of yourselves'
If you've been on social media, perhaps you've come across a creator Old Time Hawkey - also a fellow Michigander.
He first got started during COVID, creating "cottage core" type videos of a relaxing nature, while often sharing some of his favorite recipes.
He even now has a cookbook - highly recommend it!
Anyway, after watching more and more of his videos, I became enamored with his simple lifestyle, and connection with both food and nature.
I loved the simplicity, the slower pace, and the joy it rekindled.
Why can't life be more like this?
If you have about 10 minutes, I highly recommend his longer video below.
I appreciate his message toward the end about the significance of the leaf.
But it's always been his tagline at the end of his videos, "Please, take care of yourselves," that's stuck with me. What does it mean to “take care of ourselves?”
We always try to take care of others. Do we ever slow down though to check in with ourselves?
It's a message that I've hoped to carry through in my posts to you as well this year, dear reader.
Hopefully, you've been able to do the same.
With that, I would like to posit to you, "Have you ever felt like you’re being forced to slow down, only to realize it’s exactly what you needed?"
Finding Strength in Simplicity and a New Perspective at 40
They say 40 starts the “midlife crisis.” 2024 has led me to think it’s not a midlife crisis, but a midlife awakening—one cup of tea, one pedal stroke, and one newfound joy at a time.
I've always been more of a coffee drinker, but after seeing some of Hawkey's videos, and tea recipes, I decided to give tea another try again for the late afternoon.
Where have I been?!
What a simple joy it has been to have a cup of tea in the afternoon, and begin to unwind and decompress from the day.
This year, I also really got serious about cycling, and for the first time ever, was able to go on a six-mile ride.
That's probably a trip around the block for a lot of cyclists, but it was a huge win for me, considering everything that I had been through in the prior months.
If you haven't been cycling, I highly recommend it, especially if you can get a cool-down walk-in afterward.
What a game-changer it has been, both mentally and physically.
Afternoon tea became more than just a drink; it became a ritual, a moment to breathe and reflect.
Cycling started as a way to rebuild strength but soon became a mental reset—a moving meditation on two wheels.
These small acts brought clarity, reminding me that joy often hides in simplicity.
But the real shift this year?
Sharing these lessons.
When I created my recent holiday self-care top 10 list (below), I didn’t expect it to resonate so deeply with others. I may do another post to build upon the below, but in the interim, it taught me that vulnerability and connection—whether through a newsletter or a conversation—are the true gifts of starting fresh.
As I move into my 40s, I’m not chasing big transformations. I’m embracing small joys, choosing intentional living, and sharing the journey with you.
If this story resonates with you, let’s keep the conversation going.
Life at 40—or wherever you are on your journey—is full of challenges, lessons, and unexpected joys.
Your Journey Starts With One Small Step
Here’s how you can join me on this path:
1. Subscribe to Mitten Dad Minute: Stay connected for more reflections on finding joy in simplicity, parenting adventures, and building an intentional life.
2. Share this post: Know someone who needs a reminder to slow down and rediscover the beauty in the small things? Send this their way.
3. Comment below: What’s a simple joy or lesson that’s made a difference in your life this year? I’d love to hear your story.
Together, we can inspire each other to take care of ourselves—one step, one sip, and one ride at a time.
Let’s make the next year even better, starting today.
Watch that first step into the new year though - your shoulder will probably thank you.