Life and time is so precious
Why I've done a 2024 recap and why I think you should too
I started the year in Japan with an earthquake and an injury. I’m ending 2024 at home with overwhelming mental exhaustion and much-needed reflection and gratitude.
Reflecting back on all the good, not-so good and downright shitty stuff that makes up a year helps me to frame the previous 12 months with more perspective. For me, it’s not about glossing over the challenging bits and putting the fun bits up on a pedestal. It’s about acknowledging ALL of it, reflecting on how I felt and how I might have changed/grown/become more resilient (urrghh … can you be resilient fatigued?).
It might seem like needless navel gazing but if you’ve also arrived at the end of the year feeling like you haven’t ticked off enough; haven’t achieved enough; haven’t lived enough, it really is a useful exercise to do BEFORE you focus forward. You don’t need to share your reflection and gratitude list with anyone. It’s just for you.
Having lived with burn out the past two-three years (probably more - trust me, it’s not something to boast about, it’s a full-time job keeping it at bay), my list helps me to see where I’ve supported myself, been supported by others and what’s really important when my mental energy is constantly at capacity. Conversely it helps me to see where I’ve NOT supported myself and not received support from others. There’s absolutely no point me going into 2025 thinking things will get better if I can’t see where I need to focus, what boundaries I need to reinforce and what changes are essential.
Ageing is a privilege, a gift - one I’ve never taken lightly. I’ll be 58 in 2025. I’m post-menopausal and never been more focussed on supporting my physical and mental health. I’m grateful that there is a revolution happening around menopause education that means we can be supported as we age if we choose to do so. Global medical menopause experts like Dr Mary Claire Haver and Dr Louise Newson continue to change the narrative that menopause is just something you “get through”. Spoiler alert: once you reach menopause you’re in it forever. Imagine if men suddenly had their testosterone tap turned off? Something tells me, they wouldn’t accept any “get through it” advice. Second spoiler alert: once you stop producing estrogen, you don’t start again and we’re learning that the long term impact of a lack of estrogen affects our future bone, brain and heart health … long after any hot flushes may have subsided.
Hormones aside, I love that women of our generation and generations to come no longer have to make themselves less visible as they age. We can continue our careers or start new ones. We can carve out a lifestyle that works for us. We can dress any way we want because we’re more confident about who we are and give less f*&ks what other people think. We can choose to live a vibrant and full life.
None of us know what’s around the corner, what 2025 will bring. All we need to know and remember are the words my younger brother shared with me on Christmas Day (his wife, my beautiful sister-in-law who is the same age as me has been fighting pancreatic cancer for almost two years and there are no longer any treatment options available to her):
“Life and time is so precious”.
Nikki
xoxo
PS. Click HERE to read/see my 2024 self-reflection list.
PPS. Thank you so much for being a part of this incredible community. You come mostly for the fashion and beauty chat but as we’ve aged gracefully (or disgracefully) together, the “life” stuff feels so important to me.
Dress for your attitude; not your age
You will never hear me saying that you should dress a certain way because of your age. It truly is time to let go of this trope that’s been dished out to us for far too many years. Wear what you love, should be your only style rule. I loved chatting about this topic with Tanya Williams on the Freaking Out at 50 podcast.
You can listen HERE
Play resorts with outfits with Une Piece
Beach to bar? Une Piece has you covered … watch my latest try-on video by clicking below.
In order of appearance (I’m wearing size 14 in everything):
Classic Square Neck in Chocolate Polka Texture
Original Bustier Balconette One Piece in Black + Beach Shirt Dress in White
Classic One Shoulder in Navy Texture + Beach Shirt Dress in Hamptons Stripe Navy (new colour!)
Classic One Piece in Khaki Texture + Short Sleeve Button-Up Shirt and Palazzo Pants in Khaki
(use discount IKNOWNIKKI for 10% off site wide, including items on sale)
What you need to know:
Une Piece swimwear is made from sustainable UPF50+ fabric
The fabric is ultra-chlorine, pilling and sun cream resistant.
Sizes range from AU 6-24
(sponsored)
Looking for a summer read?
Thanks to being a member of online bookclub Birds of a Feather (scroll on for final discounts on 2025 memberships), I've become an everyday reader. It's a habit I'd let slide but now reading is firmly a part of my evening wind-down routine. I've averaged about one book a fortnight this year - these were my 10 faves. Come back to this post if you're looking for holiday read ideas!
This is your last chance to sign up for the Birds of the Feather online bookclub that I’m always raving about. Membership only opens once a year and if you’re keen to join for 2025, you have until TOMORROW December 31 to sign up HERE. Bec and Jane have also given me discount codes to share with you. Enter NIKKI10 at checkout for $10 off a standard membership or NIKKI40 for $40 off a premium membership.
Sale chat
There are lots of Boxing Day type sales on now - in store and online - if you’re in the market, here are a few brands to check out:
ACTIVEWEAR: Lululemon has its Year End sale on now. Some of my fave pieces are marked down. Shop via HERE.
BAGS: Sustainable bag brand Stitch and Hide (which I’m proud to partner with) has a sitewide 30% off sale happening (reduced price at checkout). Shop HERE.
SHOES: FRANKIE4’s Boxing Day sale has ended online but you can still shop in store and save until tomorrow December 31. Sale on selected styles only - buy one pair and save 25%; buy two or more pairs and save 30%.
Want more outfit inspiration?
Click the image below or HERE to follow me on LTK and find links to many of the beauty and fashion recommendations I feature.
So sad to hear about your sister in law. What a journey. Good to reflect back on the year especially when you are surrounded by challenges. Makes you really take stock about achievements too. The never ending mystery of life
You certainly packed a lot into 2024, while dealing with some health challenges, and were open and brave enough to take us along for the ride. I almost always learn something new from your posts and feel encouraged to venture out of my (well-worn) lane. I was very happy to see you receive some well-deserved recognition too.
You continue to provide an invaluable service to your readers by encouraging us to express ourselves through clothes irrespective of body size and shape, and to get out of our heads, into swimwear and into the water. You have my admiration and thanks, x